NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar hailed his meeting with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid as both "cordial and fruitful." Shahid's arrival in New Delhi marked the commencement of his two-day visit to India.

"Today, I had a productive and warm discussion with FM @abdulla_shahid of Maldives. I am pleased to note the steady progress in our collaborative efforts for development, which directly contributes to the economic growth and social welfare of our neighboring nation," tweeted Jaishankar, expressing his satisfaction after the meeting.

He further tweeted about the exchange of viewpoints on fostering stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region and how their joint cooperation advances these goals.

Jaishankar underscored that the meeting exemplified India's commitment to the 'Neighborhood First and Security and Growth for All in the Indian Ocean Region' (SAGAR) policy.

According to sources in the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit of the Maldivian foreign minister is part of a series of high-level exchanges between the two nations. It is expected to provide impetus to the substantial bilateral cooperation they share.

Being India's prominent maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean region, the Maldives holds a significant position in the government's policies of 'Security and Growth for All in the Region' and 'Neighborhood First.'

The Maldives holds significant importance as one of India's key maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean Region. Located southwest of India, the Maldives is an archipelago consisting of beautiful coral islands and is strategically positioned along major sea routes in the Indian Ocean. The close geographical proximity between India and the Maldives has fostered a long-standing relationship between the two nations, characterized by historical, cultural, economic, and strategic ties.

India and the Maldives share deep-rooted historical and cultural connections, which have contributed to the development of a strong bilateral relationship. Over the years, India has been a major developmental partner for the Maldives, providing assistance in various sectors such as infrastructure, healthcare, education, and capacity building. People-to-people exchanges and cultural interactions further strengthen the bond between the two nations.

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