Maldives Parliament Approves Aishath Azima as Ambassador to India

The Maldives Parliament has approved Aishath Azima Shakoor, an accomplished diplomat and Additional Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as the nation’s Ambassador to India. In a parliamentary session, 79 lawmakers voted in favor of her appointment, a decision that highlights Azima’s extensive background in foreign affairs and her suitability for the role. Her appointment was recommended by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, emphasizing the administration's commitment to empowering women in key diplomatic positions.

Azima’s qualifications were deemed self-evident by the Parliament's committee, which approved her nomination without an interview based on her educational and professional background. During the debate, members highlighted her capabilities and commitment, noting that her extensive service experience would further enhance Maldives-India relations. Lawmakers from the People's National Congress (PNC) commended Muizzu’s nomination of Azima, viewing it as a forward-looking move to foster female leadership in diplomacy.

Azima brings to the role more than three decades of experience, having joined the Foreign Ministry in 1988. She served as the Maldives' Ambassador to China for the past five years and previously held senior roles in the Maldivian Embassy in India from 2009 to 2014. She succeeds Ibrahim Shaheeb, who has served as Ambassador to India since November 2022.