The Maldives and India have engaged in high-level discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral defence cooperation, underscoring a mutual commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
These deliberations formed a crucial part of the official visit to India by Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. Conducted from 7 to 8 January, the visit encompassed significant meetings with senior Indian government officials, including Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.
The primary focus of these talks was to explore and expand avenues for bolstering defence collaboration, according to the Maldives defence ministry. This visit marks Minister Maumoon’s first official trip to India since assuming office in November 2023.
During the meetings, Minister Maumoon expressed profound gratitude to the Indian government for its continued support of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). He acknowledged the pivotal assistance provided by India during the 1988 armed coup d'état attempt and praised India's ongoing contributions to the modernisation of the Maldives' defence forces.
Minister Singh reiterated India's steadfast commitment to providing defence and security assistance to the Maldives. He also underscored India's plans to enhance support through additional resources and capacity-building initiatives, further solidifying the partnership between the two countries.
As part of his visit, Minister Maumoon also paid homage to fallen Indian soldiers by laying a wreath at the war memorial, a gesture symbolising respect and the enduring solidarity between the Maldives and India.