Underlining the fact that Maldives’ foreign policy is based on “India first”, Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid on Friday described the relationship with India as “special” and said that Indian leadership internationally has been outstanding, adding that New Delhi established itself by supporting and assisting countries at the time of need.
The Maldives’ Foreign Minister said that India is the most populous and fastest-growing economy and also leading the G20. Applauding the stature acquired by India globally, he said, “India’s leadership internationally has been outstanding and that’s for everyone to see how India established itself.”
“India’s leadership internationally is being talked about and respected by everyone around the world. We are very happy that we have a neighbor that has a neighborhood-first policy and is ready to reach out. India is a time-tested friend of ours. For every emergency we have had in the Maldives, India has been the first responder.” he stated.
Listing out the major connectivity projects undertaken by India, he said, “Ongoing great Himalaya connectivity bridge project is going to be a symbol of friendship between India and Maldives.” The foreign minister also referred to other projects that are underway in the Maldives, ranging from small community projects to mega projects like bridges, airports, hospitals, water and sewerage projects in the islands, and housing projects. Stating that “freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean is a must”, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said the country will do everything possible to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Abdulla Shahid said, “Freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean is a must because it connects countries, and because of the critical nature of where Maldives is located. Maldives is at the heart of the Indian Ocean, and that is why for us, a peaceful, prosperous, and stable Indian Ocean is essential, and we will do everything possible to make sure that it is maintained so.” He said that the Maldives will be affected first in case of any instability in the region.
“Because of instability in the Indian Ocean, we will be affected first, and that is why we partner with our neighbors including Sri Lanka, India, Mauritius and Bangladesh for the Indian Ocean Rim Association to work together, to bring everyone together because it is in our interest to maintain prosperity in the Indian Ocean,” he said.
On comparing the relationship of Maldives with India and China, he said that for Maldives, India is special. Maldives’ foreign policy is based on “India-first”.
“We have no enemies and we work with everyone,” he said.
