External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Thursday conveyed to his Maldivian counterpart Moosa Zameer that the development of India-Maldives ties is based on “mutual interests” and “reciprocal sensitivity”.

Jaishankar’s remarks came amid a downturn in the bilateral ties between the two countries since pro-China president Mohamed Muizzu assumed office six months back.

“As close and proximate neighbours, the development of our ties is obviously based on mutual interests and reciprocal sensitivity,” the external affairs minister said in his opening remarks in his meeting with Zameer here.

“As far as India is concerned, these are articulated in terms of our Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR (Security and Growth for all in the Region) vision. I hope that our meeting today will enable us to strengthen the convergence of our perspectives in various domains,” Jaishankar said.

The relations between the two countries came under severe strain in view of Muizzu insisting on withdrawal of Indian military personnel operating three military platforms in the island nation.

India has already withdrawn most of its military personnel. Muizzu had set May 10 as the deadline for withdrawal of the Indian military troops from his country.

At a media briefing, External affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the first and the second batch of the Indian personnel came back and “now deputation of competent Indian technical personnel has taken place” to operate the three Indian aviation platforms.