Azeema set to replace Shaheeb as Maldives’ top envoy to India

Former ambassador to China, Aishath Azeema has been picked to replace Ibrahim Shaheeb as the top Maldivian envoy to India.

The letter nominating Azeema to the post was read at the Parliament on Monday morning as it reopened after recess.

The nomination has been set to the Foreign Relations Committee for review.

Azeema joined the foreign service in 1988. She served as the Maldivian ambassador to China from June 2019 to September 2023. She also previously served as deputy ambassador of the Maldives to the UK, and in various senior capacities in the Foreign Ministry, including as an additional secretary and joint secretary.

She is set to replace Shaheeb, who was appointed as the ambassador to India on October 10, 2022.

The move to appoint a new ambassador to New Delhi comes as the Maldives seeks to repair and reinforce its ties with India – one of the country’s closest bilateral partners.