S Jaishankar to visit Maldives from August 9 to strengthen bilateral ties after Mohamed Muizzu’s visit

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is set to visit the Maldives from Friday. The development comes mere weeks after Maldives leader Mohamed Muizzu attended the oath-taking ceremony for the Narendra Modi-led government. Ties between the two countries have been somewhat strained in recent months since the pro-China leader took over the reins of the Maldives government.

“Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First' Policy and our Vision ‘SAGAR’ i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region. The visit is aimed at strengthening the close partnership between the two countries and to explore avenues to enhance the bilateral relationship further,” read an MEA statement.

Muizzu had vowed to end the India First policy followed by his country after coming to power last year and demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel within hours of taking oath. Indian troops manning three aviation platforms used for medical evacuation from the archipelago were replaced by civilians in May.

The development also comes at a time of regional turbulence following the dramatic resignation of Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Experts have indicated the possibility of a significant power shift within the subcontinent as the Bangladesh upheaval creates a power vacuum that could be filled by a new government more friendly to China and Pakistan.

Bangladesh has been a crucial ally to India in maintaining regional stability, especially as other countries in South Asia have slowly drifted towards China. The country's main opposition party incidentally has ties with Pakistan and has previously supported insurgent groups in northeastern India.

Neighbouring countries such as Nepal now have a government more amenable to the interests of Beijing. India also faces a similar situation with the Maldives — as it swapped its India-leaning leader with a pro-China one — and Sri Lanka where China's influence remains considerable.

(With inputs from agencies)