The Government of Maldives has agreed to establish an air bubble between India as the two countries look to cement the 54-year-old relationship with more collaborations.

This was agreed at a Digital Video Conference held today, between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives Abdulla Shahid and Minister of External Affairs of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said that this would be the first Air Bubble established in South Asia.

With this announcement, regular scheduled flights will commence between the two countries, enabling the further strengthening of the traditionally strong people-to-people contact.

Relevant public health-related requirements against Covid19 will continue to be observed by both countries.

The Ministry said that Minister Shahid thanked the Indian Government for including the Maldives among the first countries with which India has established an Air Bubble.

He emphasized the importance of easing travel, especially for Maldivians seeking to visit India for urgently required medical treatment, as well as Indian tourists wishing to visit the Maldives.