New Delhi: India and the Maldives are set to discuss enhancing defence cooperation during a meeting between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Maldivian counterpart, Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon, on Wednesday. The talks come amid improving bilateral relations between the two nations.
“The two ministers will review various aspects of bilateral defence cooperation, including training, joint exercises, defence projects, workshops, and seminars aimed at enhancing the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Forces. Discussions will also cover the supply of defence equipment and stores,” a defence ministry official stated.
Maumoon’s three-day visit, which includes stops in Mumbai and Goa, follows a visit by Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel to India last week. In October, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu also visited India for bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“India and the Maldives share deep spiritual, historical, linguistic, and ethnic ties. The Maldives holds a special position in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which seeks to promote stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR),” the official noted.
Both countries play pivotal roles in ensuring safety and security in the IOR, aligning with India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR). The ongoing dialogue reflects their shared commitment to maintaining peace and fostering cooperation in the strategically important region.
