Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. S. Jaishankar has revealed no country has received more support and assistance from India amid the COVID-19 pandemic than the Maldives.
In a press statement delivered following the signing of MoUs between the Maldives and India, as part of his two-day official visit to the Maldives, the External Affairs Minister said the bilateral relations between the Maldives and India represent a good example of the relationship that two close neighbours must have. Noting the Neighbourhood First Policy of the Indian government and the foreign policy of the current administration of the Maldives has brought the two countries closer than ever before, the External Affairs Minister said India has provided more COVID-19 support to the Maldives than any other country. As such, he highlighted the provision of food, medical supplies and financial assistance to the Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Speaking further, the External Affairs Minister noted the decision of the Indian government to grant another 100,000 doses of the Covishield vaccine to the Maldives is another symbol of the close friendship between the two countries. He noted the 100,000 doses of the vaccine which had been granted in January has helped the Maldives achieve one of the best COVID-19 vaccination rates in the world, with respect to the population. He congratulated the Maldivian government for the fast and efficient vaccination programme launched in the country.
Meanwhile, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives Abdulla Shahid highlighted that several MoUs signed between the two countries are being successfully implemented and reaping results. As such, he noted the air bubble established between the two countries has ensured a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the Maldives from India.
Minister Shahid also thanked the Indian government for the generous donation of another 100,00 doses of the Covishield vaccine to the Maldives. He acknowledged and appreciated the continuous assistance provided by India to the Maldives amid the COVID-19 pandemic.