India and the Maldives held the third round of their bilateral Consular Dialogue on 18 December 2025 in New Delhi, underscoring the two countries’ shared commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and enhancing consular cooperation.
The dialogue was co-chaired by the Joint Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa) of India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and High Commissioner of the Maldives to India, Aishath Azeema. Officials reviewed a wide range of consular matters of mutual interest, with a focus on facilitating travel, safeguarding the welfare of nationals, and improving coordination between consular authorities.
The meeting builds on outcomes of the first and second India–Maldives Consular Dialogues, which laid the groundwork for closer cooperation on visa facilitation, labour and employment-related issues, and assistance to citizens during emergencies. Both sides noted progress made since the last dialogue and agreed to maintain regular engagement to address emerging consular challenges.
The consular dialogue forms part of the broader India–Maldives relationship, which is rooted in close geographical proximity, historical links, and strong people-to-people connections. India remains one of the Maldives’ closest partners, with cooperation spanning development assistance, capacity building, defence and security, health, education, and trade.
In recent years, the two countries have expanded structured engagements through high-level visits, defence cooperation mechanisms, and sector-specific dialogues. India has also been a key partner in supporting infrastructure development and human resource capacity in the Maldives, while thousands of Maldivians continue to travel to India annually for education, medical treatment, and business.
Officials from both sides reaffirmed that effective consular cooperation is essential to sustaining the momentum in bilateral relations, particularly as mobility between the two countries continues to grow. The dialogue concluded with an agreement to further strengthen institutional linkages and ensure timely, people-friendly consular services for citizens of both countries.
The next round of the India–Maldives Consular Dialogue is expected to be held at a mutually convenient date.
