The newly appointed High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, officially presented his Letter of Credence to President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during a formal ceremony held at the President’s Office on Monday morning.
Escorted from Republic Square in a traditional ‘Haiykolhu’ cultural procession accompanied by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Drum and Trumpet Band, High Commissioner Balasubramanian was warmly welcomed upon his arrival at the President’s Office.
During the presentation, President Muizzu accepted the credentials and welcomed Balasubramanian as India’s top diplomat in the Maldives. Following the formalities, the two leaders held discussions on advancing bilateral ties.
The High Commissioner conveyed greetings from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar. Both sides reiterated their commitment to strengthening cooperation across multiple areas, including ongoing development projects supported by the Indian government, investment expansion, and enhancing people-to-people connections.
President Muizzu emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in sectors critical to the Maldives’ development, while Balasubramanian expressed India’s readiness to continue supporting the Maldives’ progress through shared initiatives.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their dedication to fostering a robust partnership between the two nations.
High Commissioner Balasubramanian, a seasoned diplomat who joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1998, brings extensive experience to his new role. His distinguished career includes serving as India’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Deputy Chief of Mission in Moscow and Bangkok, and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP).
Balasubramanian succeeds Munu Mahawar, who held the position of High Commissioner from November 2021 to November 2023, a period marked by significant developments in Maldives-India relations.
This appointment signals the continued importance both nations place on their longstanding diplomatic and economic ties, with expectations for further collaboration in the years ahead.
