Statement by His Excellency Dr Abdulla Khaleel, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, at the High-Level meeting of like-minded Global South countries
23 September 2025, New York
بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمٰنِ الرَّحِيْمِ
His Excellency Dr S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs of India,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Allow me to express my gratitude to the Government of India for convening this important meeting on uniting the Global South at such a critical juncture.
India is aptly placed to lead such a dialogue. We appreciate India’s leadership in promoting South-South cooperation and amplifying our voice on the global stage.
India is a steady partner and a trusted friend of the Maldives. Form large scale infrastructure projects such as roads, housing and the upcoming bridge which will transform national connectivity and economic activity, to smaller, but impactful projects under the High Impact Community Development Projects, India’s footprint is seen across our archipelago, addressing the biggest challenges we face. The Global South faces challenges that are complex, interconnected, and urgent. Debt vulnerabilities, limited access to finance, climate risks, technological divides, and weak infrastructure undermine our efforts to achieve sustainable development.
These obstacles cannot be addressed in isolation. They demand a collective vision, coordinated action, and solutions grounded in equity, solidarity, and shared responsibility.
Excellencies,
History shows us the power of unity. From the Bandung Conference of 1955 to the Non-Aligned Movement, the Global South has come together to defend sovereignty, promote economic revival, and advance peace.
Today, we must carry forward this legacy. South-South cooperation offers a powerful mechanism to share knowledge, mobilise resources, and foster innovation. By strengthening these bonds, we can accelerate progress towards the 2030 Agenda.
Excellencies,
For the Maldives, these challenges are not abstract—they are immediate and existential. As a Small Island Developing State, we stand on the frontlines of climate change. Our economy remains acutely vulnerable to external shocks.
Yet under the leadership of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, we are pursuing diversification, embracing digitalisation, and investing in innovation to expand opportunities for our people.
For such initiatives to thrive, we need equitable access to technology, stronger institutions, and deeper regional partnerships.
Global frameworks must also evolve to reflect our realities. Affordable access to finance, concessional funding, and debt relief must be fair, responsive, and aligned with the needs of the most vulnerable.
The strength of the Global South lies in collaboration and collective action. By pooling resources and engaging in both South-South and North-South partnerships, we can overcome persistent inequalities.
We also appreciate the Government and people of India for their exceptional support to the Maldives and other developing countries.
From emergency assistance to humanitarian aid, technical training to financing, India has consistently stood by developing partners. We applaud its steadfast support and leadership.
Excellencies,
The Maldives is committed to this common agenda. We will continue to work with India and like-minded partners to promote inclusive growth and resilient development pathways.
Together, we can build a stronger, more empowered, and more equitable Global South—one where every nation has the opportunity to flourish.
I thank you.
