Recently, Maldivian Minister for Economic Development and Trade, Mohamed Saeed, hinted at India's interest in initiating discussions for an FTA between the two nations.

Calling for immediate de-escalation, India urged all parties to step back from violence and engage in diplomatic efforts.

Jaishankar's three-day trip to Japan included a meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, during which he extended Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regards.

The comments by External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal came following a report that some Indians are working as support staff to the Russian army in the conflict zone.