Malé, Maldives — Minister of Health, Family and Welfare, Geela Ali, held a courtesy call with the High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, during which the two sides discussed further strengthening Maldives–India cooperation in the areas of healthcare, family welfare and social development.
According to the Health Ministry, the meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between the Maldives and India in key sectors that contribute to public wellbeing, including health services, capacity building, training opportunities and social development initiatives.
The discussions come as the Maldives and India continue to maintain close cooperation in the health sector, with India remaining one of the Maldives' most important development partners. Over the past two years, India has extended support across a range of sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, education, housing, defence capacity building, disaster response and economic assistance.
India has also continued to provide medical scholarships and professional training opportunities for Maldivian healthcare workers, while facilitating access to specialised medical treatment for Maldivian patients in Indian hospitals. Cooperation between the two countries has further expanded through exchanges of expertise and support for strengthening healthcare services.
Relations between the Maldives and India have witnessed renewed momentum under the administration of President Mohamed Muizzu. While the government initially sought a recalibration of certain aspects of bilateral engagement, both countries have since worked to deepen cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereignty and shared development priorities.
Over the past year, high-level exchanges between Malé and New Delhi have contributed to the advancement of several key initiatives, including infrastructure projects, financial assistance programmes, connectivity improvements and social sector cooperation. India has also provided budgetary support and facilitated financial arrangements aimed at supporting the Maldives' economic stability.
The latest meeting between Minister Geela and High Commissioner Balasubramanian reflects the continued commitment of both countries to expanding cooperation in sectors that directly benefit the people of the Maldives, particularly healthcare and social welfare, which remain among the government's key priorities.
