Thu Jan 02 18:18:46 UTC 2025: ## Maldives Foreign Minister Visits India to Strengthen Ties After Tense Period
**New Delhi, India –** Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel arrived in India on Thursday for a three-day visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations. The trip, Khaleel’s first official visit to India, follows a period of strained ties between the two nations.
Khaleel’s visit comes nearly three months after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to India in October. While President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, initially demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives shortly after assuming office in November 2023, he later pledged to improve relations with India during his Delhi trip.
The Maldivian foreign minister is scheduled to hold extensive talks with his Indian counterpart, Dr. S. Jaishankar, on Friday. Discussions are expected to cover a wide range of issues, focusing on the India-Maldives joint vision of a “Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership.” The External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, welcomed Khaleel’s visit on X (formerly Twitter), highlighting the importance of the relationship.
While the relationship between India and the Maldives, a key maritime neighbor, had strengthened under the previous Maldivian government, particularly in defense and security, recent events created tensions. This visit aims to rebuild and reinforce the partnership across areas including maritime security, trade, and investment.
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