Maldives FM to meet Jaishankar for ties-strengthening talks during first India visit
This is the first official visit to India by a senior official of this government. Controversial
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By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is scheduled to meet his Indian counterpart External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar during his visit to India on Wednesday, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.
Indian newspapers reported on Thursday that Zameer is scheduled to visit India this week amid strained relations between Maldives and India since the coming of the government.
The Maldivian Foreign Ministry issued a press release on Tuesday.
The ministry said:
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Zameer is on a three-day visit to India from Wednesday to Friday
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The two ministers will discuss further strengthening of the long-standing relationship between the two countries
This is the first official visit to India by a senior official of this government. Contrary to the tradition of Maldivian leaders making their first visit to India after being elected, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu made his first official visit to Turkey. He also made his first diplomatic visit to India’s rival China.
Maldivian government has already said that the last batch of Indian troops in Maldives will leave before Friday, which coincides with Zameer’s last day in India.
The government said 51 troops have been removed in two batches so far.
India-Maldives relations have deteriorated recently after three Maldivian deputy ministers insulted India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The deputy ministers are still under suspension despite India's demand for their removal.
Some Indian citizens and movie stars launched a boycott of Maldivian tourism, following these online spats on social media. The number of tourists from India has now dropped significantly.
