Jaishankar Holds Key Bilateral Talks with Leaders from Maldives, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka

GG News Bureau
New Delhi,10th June. Union Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held separate bilateral meetings with Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe. These leaders were among the seven from India’s neighborhood and the Indian Ocean region who attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony along with the Union Council of Ministers on Sunday.

“Delighted to call on President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives today in New Delhi. Look forward to India and Maldives working together closely,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter). Jaishankar, who served as the external affairs minister in PM Modi’s previous Cabinet, was sworn in again on Sunday. This marks Muizzu’s first visit to India since becoming the island nation’s president on November 17 last year.

Relations between India and the Maldives had been tense since Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, took office. Within hours of his swearing-in, he demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from his country. These personnel were replaced by civilians earlier this month.

Following his meeting with Hasina, Jaishankar said, “Honoured to call on Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh today. The India-Bangladesh Maitri continues to advance.”

Regarding his discussion with Wickremesinghe, Jaishankar commented, “Appreciate President Ranil Wickremesinghe of Sri Lanka for receiving me this morning in New Delhi. Recognized the steady progress in India-Sri Lanka relations.”

Other notable attendees at PM Modi’s swearing-in ceremony included Nepal Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay, and Vice-President of Seychelles Ahmed Afif.