North News
New Delhi, January 8
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said he held “fruitful talks” with Maldives Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi on Wednesday. “Several issues pertaining to deepening defence cooperation were discussed, which would also help enhance the capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces,” Rajnath Singh said in a post on X, formerly Twitter. The minister expressed optimism about the discussions, stating they would “add new vigour to India-Maldives relations.”
The meeting underlined India’s commitment to strengthening its ties with neighboring nations through defense and strategic partnerships.
During talks between India and the Maldives, both sides reaffirmed their strong commitment to realizing the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. The Defence Minister emphasized India’s readiness to support the Maldives in enhancing its defence preparedness. This includes the provision of defence platforms and assets to strengthen the country’s capabilities, in alignment with its national priorities and India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy, as well as the vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region).
Minister Maumoon, who is on his first official visit to India, expressed appreciation for India’s role as the ‘First Responder’ to the Maldives, acknowledging the assistance New Delhi has provided in improving the country’s infrastructure and the training of its defence and security personnel. As per the Government of Maldives’ request, India has delivered defence equipment and stores to the Maldives.
The visit marks a continued high-level engagement between the two nations, offering an opportunity to further strengthen their bilateral defence and security cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries and the wider Indian Ocean Region.
