Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will hold a crucial bilateral meeting with Maldives Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi on January 8, 2025. The discussions will focus on enhancing defence cooperation between India and the Maldives, specifically in areas such as training, joint exercises, defence projects, and supply of equipment to bolster the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF).
Maumoon is scheduled to visit India for a three-day trip from January 8 to 10. During his stay, he will also visit Goa and Mumbai to further strengthen ties between the two nations.
According to a press release from the Ministry of Defence, the two Ministers will review various aspects of the bilateral defence relationship, including ongoing training programs, regular military exercises, defence initiatives, and seminars aimed at enhancing MNDF’s operational readiness. Additionally, discussions will cover the supply of defence equipment and stores to the Maldives.
India and the Maldives share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and linguistic ties, with the Maldives holding a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy. This policy aims to foster stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both nations play pivotal roles in ensuring the safety and security of the region, in line with India’s broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
The meeting comes on the heels of a significant diplomatic development, as Maldives’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdulla Khaleel, wrapped up his first official visit to India earlier this week. The visit included high-level talks and the signing of critical agreements aimed at boosting bilateral development cooperation.
Among the key achievements was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDP). The MoU launched the third phase of cooperation between India and the Maldives, designed to deliver tangible benefits to communities at the grassroots level and further solidify the enduring partnership between the two nations.
Khaleel’s visit also included discussions with India’s Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, where they explored new areas of collaboration, particularly in development projects, infrastructure, and socio-economic initiatives. Khaleel expressed gratitude for India’s continued support in addressing the fiscal challenges faced by the Maldives, underscoring the significance of this partnership in promoting economic stability.
(Inputs from ANI)