Friday 12 / June / 2026
Malé: India has handed over 20,000 doses of measles vaccine and approximately three tonnes of medical supplies to the Maldives to support the island nation’s efforts to contain a rise in measles cases.
The assistance was formally handed over during a ceremony at the Maldives Ministry of Health in Malé, where Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives G. Balasubramanian presented the consignment to Maldives Health Minister Geela Ali.
The shipment is intended to strengthen the Maldives’ immunisation programme and bolster public health measures as authorities work to prevent the further spread of the disease.
In a statement, India said the timely support would reinforce the Maldivian government’s efforts to manage and contain measles cases. It also reaffirmed the importance of the Maldives in India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and Vision “MAHASAGAR,” which focuses on strengthening cooperation with countries across the Indian Ocean region.
India described itself as a trusted first responder for the Maldives and reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Maldivian government to advance shared priorities and deliver tangible benefits for the people of both nations.
The latest assistance adds to a long history of health-sector cooperation between the two countries. India has previously supported the Maldives through the supply of vaccines and medicines, medical evacuations, and healthcare capacity-building initiatives.
Under its broader regional engagement strategy, India has placed emphasis on supporting neighbouring countries in areas such as health security, disaster response and the provision of essential supplies, further strengthening bilateral ties with the Maldives.
