India-Maldives High-Level Core Group Holds Third Meeting in Male’

The third meeting of the India-Maldives High-Level Core Group convened in Male’ yesterday, marking another step in diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

According to a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs, India, discussions during the meeting primarily centred on the continued deployment of Indian technical personnel to support the operation of Indian aviation platforms delivering humanitarian and medevac services to the Maldivian populace. Both parties undertook a comprehensive review of this initiative aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in this crucial area.

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Additionally, delegates from India and the Maldives engaged in constructive dialogues covering various facets of mutual collaboration and the consolidation of bilateral relations. Emphasis was placed on expediting the implementation of ongoing development projects, with a commitment to regular consultations through joint monitoring mechanisms to ensure their effective execution.

Topics of mutual interest, such as the promotion of bilateral trade and investment, as well as the facilitation of people-to-people exchanges through capacity-building programmes and enhanced travel arrangements, were also addressed.

Concluding the meeting, both India and the Maldives concurred on scheduling the next High-Level Core Group meeting in New Delhi, with the specific timing to be mutually agreed upon.

The timing of these discussions assumes significance against the backdrop of recent strains in bilateral relations, stemming from an incident involving certain Maldivian government officials. Earlier allegations concerning the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives were met with official silence, fuelling public curiosity and debate. However, recent developments indicate the repatriation of the initial contingent of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives, in line with agreements reached between the two nations.

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s administration has disclosed that all Indian soldiers are expected to be repatriated by May 10th, 2024, as part of broader efforts to address concerns and foster a conducive environment for bilateral cooperation.

The evolving dynamics between India and the Maldives underscore the importance of sustained dialogue and diplomatic engagement in resolving differences and advancing shared objectives in the region.