Months after relations between India and the Maldives soured, New Delhi conveyed to the island nation its readiness to support it in boosting its defence preparedness. The development comes as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hosts his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon for wide-ranging talks focusing on maritime security cooperation. Maumoon is on a three-day visit to India.
During their meeting, the two defense ministers reaffirmed their strong commitment to collaborate closely in realizing the shared vision for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership between India and the Maldives, according to an Indian readout.
“I recall our brief meeting with you during the state visit of President Mohamed Muizzu to India in October 2024. The visit of the President of the Maldives has provided a new orientation to our bilateral relationship, and the Joint Vision Document released during the visit acts as a guiding principle for our two countries,” Rajnath Singh.
Maumoon’s visit to India comes nearly eight months after New Delhi completed pulled out its military personnel from the Maldives following a demand by its pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu. The episode, which continued for months, had significantly frayed the ties between the two nations.
During the meeting, the two ministers also reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence and security cooperation. Also Read | Why Maldives needs Indian tourists
The defence ministry said, “During the talks, both sides reasserted the firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.”
The defence minister also emphasised that the Maldives holds a special position under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy. Rajnath Singh said, “Maldives occupied a special place under Neighbourhood’s First Policy of India, which aimed to bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.”
Rajnath Singh “reaffirmed” India’s readiness to assist the Maldives in enhancing its defense capabilities, including providing defense platforms and assets to strengthen its capacities in accordance with national priorities. This support aligns with New Delhi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the vision of SAGAR – Security And Growth for All in the Region – the defence ministry stated.
