Maldives and India held high-level discussions today regarding the establishment of an Indian consulate in Addu City. The discussions took place during President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's official visit to India, where he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The talks also touched on the potential establishment of a Maldivian consulate in Bangalore. However, a senior Maldivian official emphasized that these discussions are still ongoing, and no final decisions have been made.
"These discussions have been in progress for a long time. They are part of long-term diplomatic talks," the official said.
While discussions continue on the proposed Indian consulate in Addu City, the second most populous area in the Maldives, India’s cabinet had already approved a motion to establish a consulate there back in 2021. At the time, the Indian Embassy in Maldives highlighted the close bilateral relationship between the two nations and noted that the Maldives plays a vital role in India’s "neighbourhood first policy" and its "Security and Growth for All in the Region" (SAGAR) initiative.
Despite India’s decision in 2021, Maldives’ then-president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih stated that no decisions had been made regarding the establishment of the consulate. He stressed that any agreements would align with the needs of both countries within the framework of diplomatic relations.
The initial proposal was met with strong opposition in Addu City, sparking the 'Save Addu' campaign led by residents. A petition was submitted to President Solih, with concerns raised about potential undisclosed motives behind the establishment of the consulate and possible future challenges for the local population.
If approved, the Indian consulate in Addu City would be the first foreign diplomatic mission established outside the capital, Malé. The Maldives currently has a high commission in India’s capital, New Delhi, and a consulate in Trivandrum.
