Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel Arrives in India for High-Level Talks on Security Partnership

Continuing a year of intensified diplomatic engagement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, Abdulla Khaleel, arrived in India today for a three-day official visit from May 25 to 27. This is Dr. Khaleel’s third visit to India in 2025, reaffirming the momentum in India–Maldives bilateral relations following the October 2024 visit of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

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Khaleel is scheduled to co-chair the 2nd India–Maldives High-Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting on May 26, where both sides will review progress on the India–Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. The document was adopted during President Muizzu’s 2024 state visit and outlines a long-term strategy for economic development and regional maritime stability.

The visit comes as part of India’s 'Neighbourhood First' and Vision MAHASAGAR policy — an initiative focused on “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.” Maldives remains a vital partner in the Indian Ocean region and a core stakeholder in India’s strategic maritime calculus.

Khaleel will hold bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar to discuss regional security, development partnerships, economic connectivity, and defense collaboration.

Discussions will be held in New Delhi, with a focus on deepening cooperation in trade, climate resilience, sustainable development, and joint security mechanisms across the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India and Maldives have expanded their cooperation across defense, infrastructure, renewable energy, and cyber security in recent years. This visit is expected to further consolidate strategic alignment and fast-track deliverables under the Vision Document.

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