‘You’ve made history’: Maldives foreign min hails Jaishankar; Key pacts signed

• In a bid to bolster its ties with two key neighbours in the Indian Ocean to counter China’s influence, External Affairs minister S Jaishankar is visiting Maldives. On Saturday, the two nations signed pacts on health and education. Foreign minister Abdulla Shahid acknowledged that this is the first time that official talks were held at Addu City, outside of the Capital City Male. “You’ve made history, Minister @DrSJaishankar!” Abdullah Shahid wrote on Twitter. Shahid said that the Maldives welcomes India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and remains committed to its “India First Policy”. He added that India-Maldives relations have “stood the test of time, and one that will continue to flourish.” Watch this video for more details.