India Reaffirms Support to Maldives for Enhanced Defence Preparedness

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Rajnath Singh, India's Defence Minister, has reaffirmed India's commitment to supporting the Maldives in boosting its defence preparedness. This reaffirmation comes during bilateral talks held in New Delhi between Singh and the Defence Minister of Maldives, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. The discussions focused on enhancing the Maldives' capability to ensure security and stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

India and the Maldives share deep spiritual, historical, linguistic, and ethnic ties. The Maldives holds a special place in India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy, which aims to promote stability and prosperity in the IOR. This policy is part of India's broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

The bilateral relations between India and the Maldives saw a rough patch last year, particularly after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu came to power with an "India Out" campaign, which led to the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. However, relations have improved significantly, especially after Muizzu was invited to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s inauguration last year.

During the recent talks, it was emphasized that India is ready to support the Maldives in various areas of defence capability enhancement, including training, infrastructure development, and equipment supply. This support is crucial for maintaining safety and security in the IOR, where both nations are key players.

The current visit of the Maldivian Defence Minister to India, which began on January 8 and will last until January 10, is expected to further solidify these defence ties and explore new avenues for cooperation.