India's ties with the Maldives are based on "mutual trust and reciprocal sensitivity", External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar told the Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer at the delegation-level talks between the two diplomats in New Delhi on Thursday.
"As far as India is concerned, these are articulated in terms of our Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR vision. I hope that our meeting today has enabled us to strengthen the convergence of our perspectives in various domains," Jaishankar stated in his opening remarks.
The EAM highlighted that New Delhi has been a "key provider" of developmental assistance to the Maldives, underscoring India's role as the biggest developmental partner of the Indian Ocean nation.
"Our projects have benefited the lives of people of your country; contributed directly to the quality of life. They range from infrastructure projects and social initiatives to medical evacuation and health facilities," Jaishankar said.
He further stressed that New Delhi had extended financial support on "favourable terms" to Male.
"India has been a first responder on numerous occasions for Maldives. Our cooperation has also enhanced the security and well-being of your country through shared activities, equipment provisioning, capacity-building and training," the top diplomat stated.
Jaishankar further emphasised the importance of a "close partnership" between the two countries in view of the global uncertainties and volatilities.
"In such times, as we saw during Covid, during natural disasters and economic difficulties, close partnerships with neighbours are of great value," he said.
Zameer's visit comes against the backdrop of the two countries negotiating the withdrawal of Indian military personnel operating Indian-gifted aviation platforms in the Maldives.
At the fourth meeting of the 'High-Level Core Group' between India and Maldives in New Delhi on 3 May, both the sides agreed to "replace" Indian military personnel in last of the three aviation platforms by 10 May, according to a Maldivian foreign ministry statement.