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Rajnath Singh reiterated that the Maldives is India's priority in the neighborhood
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during his visit to the Maldives, handed over two Indian-made vessels to the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF) on Tuesday (May 2, 2023).
The vessels included a Fast Patrol Vessel, which was commissioned as the MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee, and a Landing Craft Assault ship. The Fast Patrol Vessel is capable of coastal and offshore surveillance at high speeds.
Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who handed over the national flag to be hoisted on board the offshore patrol vessel, and Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi were present at the ceremony held at the port area of the MNDF's Coast Guard ships in Hulhumale.
Speaking at the event, Singh highlighted the importance of India and the Maldives' shared commitment to peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He stressed India's robust defense ecosystem and its significant manufacturing capabilities to support partner countries' capacity building.
He also said that India's strong defence cooperation with the Maldives emanates from the twin policies of 'Neighbourhood First' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region). He reiterated that the Maldives is India's priority in the neighborhood.
Singh also called for enhanced cooperation among nations in the IOR to address common challenges such as sustainable exploitation of resources and climate change. He expressed India's willingness to work with the Maldives for adaptation and mitigation of the impact of climate change.
At the ceremony, Maldives' Defence Minister presented a plaque of appreciation to Singh in honour of India's continued aid. "This donation will greatly improve the MNDF Coast Guard's operating capabilities in maritime security, bolstering national security," the President's Office of Maldives said.
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Singh called on President Solih to discuss ongoing projects and ways to further strengthen defense ties. The President expressed gratitude for India's continued aid and support to the Maldives in various sectors. Singh also assured continued support and spoke about the progress of various developmental projects undertaken by India in the Maldives.
"Excellent meeting with HEP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President's Office in Male. We discussed a wide range of issues to further strengthen the relations between India and Maldives," Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter.
On May 1, after arriving in Male, he had extensive discussions with his Maldivian counterpart. During the meeting, they explored ways to further boost the defence partnership between the two sides. Singh had also called on Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
The vessels included a Fast Patrol Vessel, which was commissioned as the MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee, and a Landing Craft Assault ship. The Fast Patrol Vessel is capable of coastal and offshore surveillance at high speeds.
Maldives' President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who handed over the national flag to be hoisted on board the offshore patrol vessel, and Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi were present at the ceremony held at the port area of the MNDF's Coast Guard ships in Hulhumale.
Speaking at the event, Singh highlighted the importance of India and the Maldives' shared commitment to peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). He stressed India's robust defense ecosystem and its significant manufacturing capabilities to support partner countries' capacity building.
He also said that India's strong defence cooperation with the Maldives emanates from the twin policies of 'Neighbourhood First' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region). He reiterated that the Maldives is India's priority in the neighborhood.
Singh also called for enhanced cooperation among nations in the IOR to address common challenges such as sustainable exploitation of resources and climate change. He expressed India's willingness to work with the Maldives for adaptation and mitigation of the impact of climate change.
At the ceremony, Maldives' Defence Minister presented a plaque of appreciation to Singh in honour of India's continued aid. "This donation will greatly improve the MNDF Coast Guard's operating capabilities in maritime security, bolstering national security," the President's Office of Maldives said.
Earlier in the day, Defence Minister Singh called on President Solih to discuss ongoing projects and ways to further strengthen defense ties. The President expressed gratitude for India's continued aid and support to the Maldives in various sectors. Singh also assured continued support and spoke about the progress of various developmental projects undertaken by India in the Maldives.
"Excellent meeting with HEP Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President's Office in Male. We discussed a wide range of issues to further strengthen the relations between India and Maldives," Rajnath Singh wrote on Twitter.
On May 1, after arriving in Male, he had extensive discussions with his Maldivian counterpart. During the meeting, they explored ways to further boost the defence partnership between the two sides. Singh had also called on Maldives' Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid.
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