The term of Ibrahim Shaheeb, the Maldives' High Commissioner to India, has officially ended, and President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has nominated Aishath Azeema, currently the Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as his successor. The nomination has been forwarded to Parliament for approval.

Azeema, who previously served as the Maldives Ambassador to China from 2019 to 2023, brings extensive diplomatic experience to the role. Her nomination follows the completion of Shaheeb's term, which began in November 2022 under the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Shaheeb’s tenure included a notable stint as the Maldives Ambassador to Singapore prior to his posting in India, and his long diplomatic career began in 1991. He has held various key positions, including Chief of Protocol in 2018.

The appointment of a new High Commissioner comes at a pivotal time for bilateral relations between the Maldives and India. During President Muizzu's recent state visit to India, several significant agreements were signed, including a USD 400 million currency swap facility of INR 30 billion, aimed at alleviating the Maldives' foreign exchange burden.

As the Maldives continues to strengthen its ties with India, Azeema's upcoming appointment is expected to play a key role in maintaining and enhancing these important diplomatic relations.