The first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between the Maldives and India was held yesterday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This platform brings together senior representatives from both nations to discuss the implementation of A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

The vision document was formulated following President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his official visit to India last October.

During the meeting, both sides reviewed bilateral relations and discussed key areas of cooperation, including development projects, trade and commerce, digital financing, healthcare, people-to-people ties, as well as defense and maritime security, according to the Foreign Ministry.

The next High-Level Core Group meeting is scheduled for April and will take place in India.

Despite initial tensions in Maldives-India relations at the start of President Muizzu’s administration, both countries have since worked to strengthen ties. In addition to President Muizzu’s state visit to India, former Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer also made official visits. Meanwhile, India’s Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, visited the Maldives last year, with high-level discussions leading to increased Indian assistance to the Maldives.