The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has recently acknowledged India as the country’s closest partner, emphasizing the significant economic assistance provided by New Delhi. In a statement, President Muizzu expressed his sincere appreciation for the support, which has been instrumental in fostering a strong bilateral relationship between the two nations. The Maldives has been facing economic challenges, and India’s timely assistance has helped alleviate some of the pressures. The economic aid has not only boosted the Maldives’ economy but also contributed to the country’s overall development. President Muizzu’s statement highlights the importance of the India-Maldives partnership, which has been a cornerstone of the island nation’s foreign policy. The two countries have a long history of cooperation, with India providing significant economic and military aid to the Maldives. The Maldives has also been a key player in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which aims to strengthen ties with neighboring countries. The economic assistance provided by India has been used to develop key infrastructure projects in the Maldives, including ports, airports, and roads. These projects have not only improved the country’s connectivity but also created new opportunities for trade and investment. The Maldives has also been a key beneficiary of India’s ‘Act East’ policy, which aims to promote economic cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region. President Muizzu’s statement has been seen as a significant development in the India-Maldives relationship, which has been strengthening in recent years. The two countries have been cooperating closely on a range of issues, including counter-terrorism, maritime security, and climate change. The Maldives has also been a key partner in India’s efforts to promote regional cooperation, including the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). The economic assistance provided by India has also helped the Maldives to diversify its economy, which has traditionally been dependent on tourism. The country is now exploring new areas of cooperation, including fisheries, agriculture, and renewable energy. President Muizzu’s statement has been welcomed by Indian officials, who see the Maldives as a key partner in the region. The two countries are expected to continue their close cooperation, with a focus on promoting economic development, regional security, and people-to-people ties. The India-Maldives partnership is also seen as a key factor in promoting stability and security in the Indian Ocean region. The Maldives has been a key player in regional forums, including the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC). The country has also been a key beneficiary of Indian technical assistance, including in areas such as healthcare, education, and capacity building. Overall, President Muizzu’s statement highlights the strong bilateral relationship between India and the Maldives, which is based on mutual trust, respect, and cooperation. The two countries are expected to continue their close cooperation, with a focus on promoting economic development, regional security, and people-to-people ties.