On the fringes of the NAM summit, S Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister, engaged in discussions with Moosa Zameer, his Maldivian counterpart, in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, on Thursday, to explore the dynamics of the India-Maldives bilateral relationship.
The leaders also delved into matters related to the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
Sharing insights after the meeting, EAM Jaishankar conveyed, “Met Maldives FM @MoosaZameer today in Kampala. A candid discussion on India-Maldives ties. Also deliberated on NAM-related issues.”
This development follows the agreement between India and the Maldives on January 14 to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation, as announced by the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
On the same day, a core group meeting between India and the Maldives explored finding a “mutually workable solution” for the “continued operation” of Indian aviation platforms offering humanitarian and Medvec services, stated the Ministry of External Affairs. The next meeting is scheduled in the national capital.
Earlier today, EAM Jaishankar arrived in Kampala to lead the Indian delegation at the 19th summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) commencing on January 19.
The summit will be preceded by discussions at ministerial and senior official levels.
“Arrived in Kampala to represent India at the 19th NAM Summit. Looking forward to engaging colleagues over the coming two days,” expressed External Affairs Minister Jaishankar on X.
Prior to the NAM Summit, Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Rajkumar Ranjan Singh will represent India at the NAM Foreign Minister’s meeting.
In the meantime, MoS External Affairs V Muraleedharan will represent India at the G-77 Third South Summit, scheduled in Kampala on January 21-22, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The 19th NAM Summit, under Uganda’s leadership, focuses on the theme ‘Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,’ bringing together over 120 developing countries on a platform of historical significance.
India strongly supports Uganda’s theme for NAM and anticipates meaningful engagement with NAM countries. As a prominent and founding member of NAM, India remains steadfast in upholding the movement’s principles and values, stated the MEA release.
On the sidelines of the NAM Summit, the EAM is anticipated to hold discussions with the Ugandan leadership and counterparts from NAM member states.
Jaishankar will then embark on an official visit to Nigeria from January 21-23. The EAM is set to co-chair the 6th India-Nigeria Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) with his counterpart and engage with other leaders.
The EAM will inaugurate the 3rd edition of the Nigeria-India Business Council meeting, deliver a speech at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, interact with delegates of the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), and unveil the bust of Mahatma Gandhi.
Additionally, he will preside over the regional conference of Indian Heads of Missions. India and Nigeria have historically maintained close and friendly relations. This marks EAM’s inaugural visit to Nigeria, aimed at further strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries, as per the release.
