The Maldives and India have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral defence cooperation, with Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon receiving assurances from his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh of continued support to enhance the Maldives’ defence capabilities.
During a meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday, Singh expressed India’s readiness to assist the Maldives by providing defence platforms, equipment, and training to bolster the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). This aligns with India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) vision, aimed at regional security and cooperation.
The meeting came against the backdrop of strained relations following President Mohamed Muizzu’s assumption of office in November 2023. Immediately after taking office, the Muizzu administration requested the withdrawal of over 85 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The withdrawal was completed eight months ago, with civilian personnel replacing the Indian military staff.
During Wednesday’s meeting, India also provided defence equipment worth over US$4 million to the Maldives, following a request from the Maldivian government. The consignment, which included utility vehicles, berthing materials, and other essential supplies, aimed at enhancing the operational capacity of the Maldives’ defence forces. Maumoon expressed appreciation for India’s longstanding role as the ‘First Responder,’ particularly in areas like infrastructure development and training of Maldivian defence personnel.
Both sides reviewed their Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, reaffirming their shared commitment to regional security and stability. Singh emphasised the cultural, historical, and ethnic ties between the two nations, noting the Maldives’ strategic importance under India’s Neighbourhood First policy.
“Held fruitful talks with Maldives Defence Minister Mr Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi. Several issues pertaining to deepening defence cooperation were discussed which would also help in enhancing the capability of Maldives National Defence Force. Today’s discussions will add new vigour to India-Maldives relations,” Singh wrote on X.
Maumoon’s visit to India also included planned visits to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited in Mumbai and the Goa Shipyard, underscoring continued high-level engagements between the two nations. This visit follows a meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar earlier this month, where both sides pledged to deepen bilateral ties.
Singh reiterated that India would continue supporting the Maldives’ defence capacity-building efforts through joint exercises, training programmes, and infrastructure support, aiming for mutual benefit and regional security.