Maldives on Monday conveyed to India that it will be sensitive towards New Delhi's security and strategic concerns as the two countries vowed to bring back momentum in their ties which came under severe strain during the previous government in Male.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj held talks with her Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Shahid here and asserted that India attaches highest importance to its relationship with the Maldives. She told the visiting minister that New Delhi stands ready to "fully support" the new government in Male.
A joint statement issued after the talks said Shahid reiterated his government's "India First" policy and conveyed that his government looked forward to working closely with India on all issues.
It said President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih will visit India on December 17 and both the ministers held wide consultations to lay the groundwork for the trip.
India-Maldives ties deteriorated significantly under rule of Abdulla Yameen who was perceived to be close to China and there were concerns in India over growing Chinese influence in Male.
Solih, as the opposition candidate, had a surprise victory over Yameen in the presidential election held on September 23. Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended Solih's oath-taking ceremony on November 17.
"Abdulla Shahid reiterated his government's 'India First' policy and said that his government looks forward to working closely with the government of India on all issues," the joint statement said
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