India, Maldives aim to boost ties as Sushma Swaraj meets Dunya Maumoon

New Delhi: Aimed to boost the bilateral relations that are set to mark 50 years in November, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and her Maldivian counterpart Dunya Maumoon held talks here on Sunday.

According to reports, the duo exchanged pleasantries and discussed issues of bilateral interest to both sides.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Syed Akbarudin took to Twitter to give information about the meet. "India-Maldives aim to boost ties. Minister @SushmaSwaraj meets counterpart Dunya Maumoon in Delhi," he tweeted.

He further said in another tweet, "Ocean diplomacy. Maritime neighbours India-Maldives to strengthen ties as they commemorate 50 years of relations," .

As close and friendly neighbours, India and Maldives share ethnic, linguistic, cultural, religious and commercial links steeped in antiquity and enjoy cordial and multi-dimensional relations.

The bilateral relations between India and Maldives have been strengthened by regular contacts at all levels. There is a regular exchange of high-level ministerial visits also.

India and Maldives have consistently supported each other in multilateral fora such as the UN, the Commonwealth, the NAM and the SAARC.

India was among the first to recognise Maldives after its independence in 1965 and to establish diplomatic relations with the country. India established its mission at Male in 1972.