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Indian High Commissioner G Balasubramanian says strengthening people-to-people links will remain a key priority as Maldives and India deepen cooperation across several areas.
Mariyam Adheela
Indian High Commissioner G Balasubramanian -- Photo: Raajje24
Strengthening connections between the people of Maldives and India will be a key priority in the two countries’ bilateral relationship, Indian High Commissioner G Balasubramanian has said.
Speaking to Maldives Independent ahead of India’s Independence Day, Balasubramanian said India’s priorities include strengthening cooperation in political, economic, digital, energy, health and defence sectors, while also deepening people-to-people ties.
The High Commissioner also pointed to the longstanding connections between the two countries, noting that the Maldives and India share the same ocean and have deeply connected histories.
He said the relationship is built on historical ties, mutual respect and shared maritime interests, citing evidence of maritime trade between Gujarat and the northern atolls of the Maldives dating back to the Indus Valley civilisation.
Balasubramanian said India currently trains more than 1,600 Maldivian personnel annually across civilian and military sectors, while efforts are also underway to improve maritime and air connectivity between the two countries.
He said the broader bilateral relationship is being guided by the India-Maldives Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, agreed during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s visit to India in October 2024.
The envoy said implementing the commitments outlined in the vision document remains a priority for India, with cooperation continuing across development, trade, digital technology, renewable energy, health, defence and people-to-people linkages.
