‘First Responder’ India sends vaccines, medical supplies as Maldives battles measles outbreak

New Delhi, June 11 (IANS) India on Thursday sent a consignment of 20,000 doses of measles vaccines and approximately three tonnes of medical supplies to support Maldives government in strengthening its immunisation coverage and safeguard public health, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.

According to the MEA, India’s timely assistance will help Maldives in addressing the increasing cases of measles and reinforce the response efforts of the government.

“Maldives enjoys a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR. India, as a trusted First Responder, remains committed to working closely with the Government of Maldives in advancing shared priorities and for the mutual benefit of the people of the two countries,” the MEA said in a statement.

India’s assistance comes after the Maldives’ Health Protection Agency (HPA) said on Tuesday that four more people tested positive for measles last week, raising the total number of confirmed cases reported in Maldives in 2026 to 15. HPA urged people to wear masks and take medical help immediately if they development symptoms like cough or red rash. It also advised people with suspected symptoms to remain in isolation until tests results are confirmed.

Meanwhile, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu on Wednesday extended wishes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected PM. He praised the achievement and underscored the importance of continued bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

“Warm congratulations to His Excellency Prime Minister Narendra Modi on becoming India’s longest-serving elected Prime Minister by consecutive days in office,” the Maldivian President said.

“The Maldives looks forward to further strengthening cooperation with India, guided by mutual respect, sovereign equality, and shared interests,” he added.

Last month, External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Iruthisham Adam and reiterated India’s commitment to progress and development of Maldives. The meeting was held on the sidelines of BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi.

In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar stated, “Good to meet FM Iruthisham Adam of Maldives on her first official visit to India. Underlined our Neighbourhood First policy and reviewed our bilateral cooperation. Reiterated India’s commitment to Maldives’ progress and development.”

–IANS

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