Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, First Lady Fazna Ahmed and a host of other top dignitaries attended an Iftar reception hosted by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, in Male on Tuesday evening.

Solih regards India as one of Maldives’ “most trusted and valued friends” and his presence at the event sent a strong message to some opposition leaders in the island nation who have been trying to trigger anti-India activities in the island nation.

The current government, as it continues to fight the flames of religious extremism fanned by certain elements in the country, has made it clear that threats of malicious intent aimed at undermining the security of the diplomatic corps will not be tolerated.

This evening, President @ibusolih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed attended an Iftar reception hosted by H.E. Munu Mahawar, the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of Maldives. pic.twitter.com/5gHQ4gkWyh

— The President’s Office (@presidencymv) March 28, 2023

In January, while speaking at the official reception in Dharubaaruge to commemorate the 74th Republic Day of India, Solih stated that the Maldives and India share a unique partnership built on mutual trust and respect with a renewed impetus during the past four years, where India has proven to be one of the most trusted and valued friends during challenging times.

Reflecting on the friendship between the two countries throughout the years, he mentioned India’s “massive contributions” to the Maldives’ developmental efforts and assistance towards the Covid-19 response as significant highlights of this special relationship.

Asserting that India continues to set an example to the world that it is possible to achieve unity through diversity, Solih emphasised that the ethos of inclusiveness and equitable development in India is a fine demonstration of the strength of its constitution and the policies of its leadership.

Time and again, New Delhi has spotlighted its commitment to the island nation and the Indian Ocean Region, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“The India-Maldives partnership is not only working in the interest of the citizens of both the countries but is also becoming a source of peace, stability and prosperity for the region,” Prime Minister Modi stated during Solih’s landmark visit to India last August.

India also continues to play a key role in bolstering the security and defence capacities of the Maldives National Defence Force.

Both countries held the 4th India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue, earlier this month.

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, who called on Maldivian Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed Khaleel on March 19, reviewed the significant initiatives undertaken in the defence cooperation of the two countries.

Discussing further avenues to consolidate the defence ties, Khaleel emphasised on the importance of solidifying joint efforts in addressing the common security challenges to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean region.

Maldives’ Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Shahid also met External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in New Delhi at the start of this month.

As Jaishankar noted the successful economic cooperation and the progress of projects that are being implemented under Indian grant assistance and line of credit schemes, Shahid expressed appreciation to the Indian government for their continued support to the Maldives.

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