Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has expressed appreciation for the efforts of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in bolstering relations between the Maldives and India. Jaishankar made this remark in a post on X following an official meeting with MDP leaders on Saturday.
The meeting was attended by key MDP leaders, including party President Abdulla Shahid, Vice President Hisan Hussain, Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil, Youth Wing President Rifqa Shiham, Foreign Relations Committee Chairperson Aminath Shauna, Secretary General Shazly Shafeeq and former Henveiru South MP Hussain Shaheem.
During the discussions, Shahid expressed gratitude to the Indian government for its assistance and support and projects to the Maldives during the last MDP government.
Speaking to reporters following the meeting, Shahid criticized the "India Out" campaign led by the current government leaders during the MDP administration, describing it as misleading. However, MDP welcomes the efforts being made by the current government to strengthen relations with India after recognizing India's value, he said.
While the initial phase of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's government saw some strain in relations with India, the bond between the two nations appears to be growing stronger.
