New Delhi, India – India and the Maldives have held the third round of the India–Maldives Consular Dialogue in New Delhi on 18 December 2025, reaffirming their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation on consular and visa-related matters that are central to people-to-people connectivity between the two neighbouring countries. The Maldivian delegation was led by the High Commissioner of the Maldives to India, Aishath Azeema, while the Indian side was headed by Dr. Binoy George, Joint Secretary at India’s Ministry of External Affairs. The Maldivian delegation also included senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, reflecting the importance placed on coordinated consular services, citizen protection, and efficient visa facilitation.
The Consular Dialogue mechanism, first established in 2017, serves as a structured platform for both governments to address consular affairs, visa processes, and issues related to mutual legal assistance. The previous round of the Dialogue was held in Malé in 2018, and the resumption of the mechanism in New Delhi represents continuity in the shared effort to keep channels of communication open and responsive to the needs of citizens of both countries. During the latest discussions, the delegations held wide-ranging exchanges on strengthening coordination between relevant agencies, improving information-sharing, and streamlining procedures related to consular assistance and visa services.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to promoting people-to-people exchanges, recognising that smoother consular and visa processes directly support tourism, business travel, medical visits, education, and employment opportunities. For Maldivians travelling to India for healthcare, studies, trade, or official work, as well as for Indian visitors and professionals engaging with the Maldives’ tourism and service sectors, predictable and efficient consular cooperation is an important enabler. Enhancing clarity and transparency around consular procedures and visa requirements is expected to contribute to a more positive experience for travellers and expatriate communities, thereby supporting the broader economic and social ties between the two countries.
The importance of maintaining regular engagement through the Consular Dialogue framework was also emphasised by both sides, who noted that this mechanism complements the broader bilateral partnership between the Maldives and India. By keeping consular issues at the forefront of the bilateral agenda, the Dialogue helps ensure that the growing volume of travel and interaction between the two countries is backed by reliable institutional support. For global observers and partners in the region, the continued use of such structured platforms highlights the shared interest of India and the Maldives in fostering stability, connectivity, and mutually beneficial cooperation, particularly in areas that directly impact the day-to-day lives of citizens and visitors.
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