Azeema Takes Charge as Maldives Ambassador to India

A week after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s first official visit to India following his election last year, which was marked by an “India out” policy, senior diplomat Aishath Azeema is set to take over as the Maldives’ ambassador to India, replacing Ibrahim Shaheeb. This move signals the island nation’s intent to restore and strengthen ties with one of its closest bilateral partners.

New Ambassador Appointment

• Senior diplomat Aishath Azeema is set to replace Ibrahim Shaheeb as the Maldives ambassador to India.
• The decision comes shortly after President Mohamed Muizzu’s first official visit to India following his election in 2023.

Strategic Timing

• The move signals a clear intent to restore and strengthen diplomatic ties with India, which were strained during the previous administration’s “India Out” campaign.
• India and Maldives share strong historical and strategic relations, with India being one of the Maldives’ “closest bilateral partners,” as reported by Sun.mv. news portal. 

Parliamentary Approval

• On Monday, President Muizzu sent a letter to the Foreign Relations Committee of the Maldivian Parliament seeking approval for Azeema’s appointment.
• The Committee granted its approval the next day, as reported by PTI.
• Aishath Azeema’s Diplomatic Background

Azeema has been with the Maldivian Foreign Service since 1988.

• She served as the Ambassador to China from June 2019 to September 2023.
• Previously, she has held other key roles, including Deputy Ambassador to the UK and various senior positions within the Foreign Ministry, such as Additional Secretary and Joint Secretary.

Previous Ambassador

• Ibrahim Shaheeb, the outgoing ambassador, was appointed in October 2022 and served during a period of diplomatic shifts in the Maldives-India relationship.