Archive · 26 Sep 2025
Maldives Reaffirms Strong Ties with India Amidst Global Shifts
Imagine the Maldives and India as very close neighbors, like best friends.
They've been friends for a long time and still like to hang out and work together.
The Maldives talked about how they are working with India on things like security and building new places.
They also discussed some changes, like a project they did with India that ended.
The Maldives are also getting special tools to keep an eye on the ocean around them, like drones.
They said it's important to keep the sea safe and catch anyone doing bad things.
The Maldives said they want to be friends with everyone, including India and China and want to find a good solution for peace.
Maldives officials emphasized strong ties with India, highlighting regular high-level meetings.
The hydrographic agreement with India was not renewed after the completion of a specific project.
Maldives is acquiring Turkish drones to monitor its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for security.
Hanimaadhoo Airport is expected to be inaugurated in November, funded by India.
The Maldives relies heavily on tourism, which contributes around 80% to its GDP.
- Who
- Maldives' Foreign Ministry Secretary Ahmed Shiaan and High Commissioner Aishath Azeema.
- What
- Discussed strong bilateral relations between the Maldives and India.
- When
- No specific date mentioned, but the report is from a recent media engagement.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- Why
- To reaffirm ties, address key issues, and engage with the media.
View on Media Regulations
Government Stance
Media Bill Concerns
View on Media Regulations
Initial concerns from journalists were raised regarding the new media bill.
Government Stance
Concerns were addressed through amendments before the bill's passage.
- Hydrographic Agreement
- Not renewed in 2023; tied to a specific project.
- Turkish Drones
- Acquired for monitoring the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) to prevent piracy, illegal fishing, and transnational crimes.
- Hanimaadhoo Airport
- Expected to be inaugurated in the first week of November, funded by India's Exim Bank.
- Tourism
- Contributes approximately 80% to the Maldives' GDP.
- Maldives Position on Gaza
- Supports a two-state solution based on pre-1967 borders.