New Indian ambassador presents credentials

The newly appointed ambassador of India, Sunjay Sudhir, presented his credentials to President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on Tuesday.

Sudhir, who previously served as joint secretary at the Indian petroleum and natural gas ministry, succeeds former ambassador Akhilesh Mishra.

“The President welcomed the new Ambassador to the Maldives and congratulated him on his new appointment, following which, the two discussed ways to take bilateral relations forward,” the president’s office said.

“The President stressed the high esteem with which the Maldivian government has always held India, and expressed his Government’s eagerness to collaborate with them on important bilateral, regional and international issues.”

The new ambassador also met with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.

The pair “exchanged views over ways in which the renewed dynamism in the Maldives-India relationship can be sustained and further strengthened,” according to the foreign ministry.

Historically close Indo-Maldives ties were strained under former president Abdulla Yameen, who forged a partnership with China to finance large-scale infrastructure projects.

After Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended his swearing-in ceremony, President Solih’s visit to India in December was hailed as the beginning of a “new era” of stronger relations. During the maiden state visit, India pledged US$1.4 billion in financial assistance to the new administration.

The newly appointed Ambassador of #India to the #Maldives, His Excellency Sunjay Sudhir, presented his credentials to His Excellency, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih @ibusolih , this afternoon at the President’s Office. @EoIMaldives pic.twitter.com/2MbMuzr637

— Presidency Maldives (@presidencymv) March 5, 2019