The second India-Maldives High-Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting took place in New Delhi on Monday, with both sides focusing on implementing the Joint Vision for a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.
“Discussions focused on implementation of the – Joint Vision of a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership by intensifying political exchanges, defence & security cooperation, development partnership, trade, economy, health and people-to-people linkages,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal wrote on X.
Khaleel’s India Visit
Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel arrived in India to attend the meeting.
He is visiting the country from May 25 to May 27.
This is his third visit to India in 2025, following his visits earlier in January and March 2025, and is in continuation of intensified high-level political exchanges between India and the Maldives.
“On 26 May 2025, Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel will lead Maldives at the 2nd India-Maldives High Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting to oversee progress in the implementation of the India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, adopted by the leadership of the two countries during the State Visit of President of Maldives Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to India in October 2024,” read a statement earlier issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
During the visit, Foreign Minister Dr. Khaleel will also hold bilateral discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar.
India-Maldives Relationship
The Maldives is India’s key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR, i.e., Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.
“The visit is aimed at strengthening the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two countries,” read the MEA statement.
(With inputs from IBNS)
