“India’s relationship with Maldives is long-standing and time-tested …”: Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India (14th March 2018)

March 15, 2018

In response to a question asked in the Lok Sabha ( lower House of Indian parliament)  on whether Government has taken any new policy initiative after June, 2014  to ensure friendlier relations with our major neighbouring countries, the Hon. Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs Gen. (Dr) V. K. Singh (Retd.) stated that in accordance with the high priority accorded by the Government to relations with our neighbouring countries, several policy initiatives have been taken since June 2014 to ensure friendlier relations. These include initiatives for improving connectivity, addressing developmental challenges, building shared prosperity and security, and building greater trust and confidence.

With specific reference to the Maldives, the Hon Minister said that India’s relationship with Maldives is long-standing and time-tested, and based on support for stability, political pluralism and development.

As a close neighbour, India has continued its engagement with Maldives encouraging democratic institution building and rule of law in the country to meet the aspirations of its citizens. The relationship was strengthened during the period through exchange of high-level visits, defence and security cooperation, institution and capacity building, assistance in health and education sectors and cooperation across a wide spectrum of mutually beneficial areas.

 

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