S Jaishankar To Begin 3-Day Maldives Visit Today Amid Strained Ties

S Jaishankar's visit follows the recent visit of Maldives pro-China president Mohamed Muizzu to India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will today begin his three-day official visit to the Maldives, the first high-level trip from New Delhi after ties between the two countries deteriorated since the island nation's pro-China president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed office nearly nine months ago.

Mr Jaishankar's visit follows the June 9 visit of Mr Muizzu to India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Council of Ministers. It was Mr Muizzu's inaugural official visit to India since assuming office in November last year.

"Maldives is India's key maritime neighbour and an important partner in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and our vision 'SAGAR' - Security and Growth for All in the Region," the Ministry of External Affairs said in an official statement announcing Mr Jaishankar's visit.