During a meeting with S Jaishankar, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel, on a 3-day visit to India, appreciated timely emergency financial assistance extended by India to Maldives.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised New Delhi’s steadfast support for the island nation, stating, “India has always stood by the Maldives. You are a very concrete expression of our neighbourhood first policy.” The announcement came during Jaishankar’s meeting with Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel in New Delhi.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel emphasized stronger India-Maldives ties, with key developments in local currency usage for transactions and security cooperation.

"We have increased our engagement in various sectors and I do want to say that India has always stood by Maldives," External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said while hosting his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khaleel.

India and Maldives strengthen ties with local currency framework, emphasizing maritime security, trade, and investment cooperation.

External Affairs Minister Jaishankar said, “India will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives’ progress and prosperity, in line with our Neighbourhood First policy and vision SAGAR.”