Maldives FM expresses firm support to India in fight against terror

Maldivian foreign minister Abdulla Khaleel on Monday strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and expressed Male’s solidarity with the people and the government of India, while offering its firm support to New Delhi in the fight against terrorism.

Khaleel shared his views during a meeting with external affairs minister S Jaishankar, in what was their third meeting in New Delhi so far this year. He also led Maldives at the 2nd India-Maldives High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting to oversee progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

During the meeting, discussions focused on implementation of the joint vision by intensifying political exchanges, defence & security cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health and people-to-people linkages, officials informed.


Khaleel also thanked the Indian government for providing timely emergency financial assistance to Male, which has made a positive impact on the everyday lives of Maldivians.

Earlier this month, India extended support to Maldives by rolling over the $50 Million treasury bill that will help keep the economy afloat amid a looming debt crisis.

It must be noted that since March 2019, India has been facilitating subscription of several such treasury bills by the State Bank of India, and rolling them over, annually, interest-free to the government of Maldives. This forms part of the government-to-government arrangement between the two nations that serves as an emergency financial assistance to the neighbour.

Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and a vital partner in New Delhi’s 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Vision MAHASAGAR or Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.