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G Balasubramanian said PM Modi is the first head of state who is visiting Maldives under the presidency of Mohd Muizzu as a state guest
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Mizzu.
“India has always been there for Maldives as a first responder…our national interests coincide,” Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, G Balasubramanian, has told CNN-News18 amidst Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the island nation.
“The ties are historical; we have been there for Maldives as a first responder. We have had wonderful relations despite the changes in the domestic politics. Our national interests coincide,” the High Commissioner said, a day after the two sides held delegation-level meetings and signed a host of agreements, including a new Rs 4,850 crore credit line for Maldives by India.
“It is a pleasure to have PM Modi invited as Guest of Honour at the Independence Day celebrations here. This is the first head of state who is visiting Maldives under the presidency of Mohd Muizzu as a state guest. So, this is very important. This is a significant milestone that both countries have achieved on the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between them,” Balasubramanian told CNN-News18.
He explained how the relationship encompasses political, cultural, trade and economic relations. “There is a huge connection between both the countries. This visit will I am sure give further fillip to these ties,” he said.
Asked if China is always the elephant in the room when it comes to India-Maldives relations, the High Commissioner said: “History is proof that as a geographical neighbour of Maldives, and as the first responder of Maldives, our relationship has always stood the test of time.”
On Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s statement on Friday of putting behind some statements from Maldives in the past and looking at the future, Balasubramanian said: “I would only further state what our foreign secretary said (about the past being past). We do have a very strong relationship and such visits and interactions between both countries add value to the relationship. It is a strong relationship.”
He narrated how people had queued up in Maldives to see PM Modi. “He is a very popular leader and people here from India and Maldivians too are enthused,” the High Commissioner said.
Balasubramanian said more than eight initiatives were undertaken during the meetings. “We will start negotiations on the Free Trade Agreement (FTA), and we have already finalised the terms of reference for the FTA. We have also signed implementation agreement for UPI which is a big thing in India, and it is growing abroad to help movement of people and facilitate things,” he said.
Aman Sharma, Executive Editor – National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister’s Office….Read More
Aman Sharma, Executive Editor – National Affairs at CNN-News18, and Bureau Chief at News18 in Delhi, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Minister’s Office…. Read More
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