Former Vice President Faisal Naseem has praised India as one of the Maldives’ most important development partners, noting that India has consistently been the first to offer assistance in times of need.
Speaking at the 8th Atal Bihari Vajpayee Memorial Lecture held in New Delhi, Faisal highlighted the long-standing friendship between the two countries and India’s enduring support for the Maldives.
“India has always been the first country to help Maldives in any situation,” Faisal said.
He recalled India’s swift assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the early reopening of borders and timely vaccine support, which played a crucial role in the Maldives’ recovery.
Faisal also acknowledged India’s contributions to the Maldives’ development across key sectors, including education, healthcare, sports, and infrastructure.
The lecture, organized by the India Foundation, focused on the theme “Peace, Democracy and Justice, The Maldivian Experience”, and commemorated the legacy of former Indian Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.