Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between their countries
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has wrapped up a productive visit to the Maldives with the two sides agreeing to explore new areas of cooperation, including defence trade and joint exercises. During his visit from May 1-3, 2023, he also laid the foundation stone for a coast guard harbour which is one of the biggest grant-in-aid projects of India.

Defence Minister Singh had extensive discussions with Maldives' Defence Minister Mariya Didi to enhance defence and security cooperation in addition to strengthening the longstanding partnership between India and Maldives. Additionally, he met Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and called on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

During their discussions, the two Defence Ministers welcomed the progress made in ongoing defence cooperation between the two neighbours, including joint exercises and exchanges of visits by military officials.

"They also noted the importance of sharing best practices and expertise in areas such as counter terrorism, disaster management, cyber security and maritime security," a Joint Press Communique issued on Wednesday said.

According to the communique, the Ministers agreed to explore additional avenues for cooperation, including in the areas of defence trade, capacity building and joint exercises. They also discussed the need to promote people-to-people contacts and exchanges between the armed forces of both countries.

The visit saw the laying of the foundation stone for the MNDF Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’ by Singh and Didi. The development of the Coast Guard Harbour and repair facility at Sifavaru is one of the biggest grant-in-aid projects of India.

On Tuesday, Singh had gifted a Fast Patrol Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship to the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF). The Fast Patrol Vessel was commissioned as the MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee.

"The handing over of these vessels are in line with India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) that seeks to work together with and jointly develop the capabilities of friends and partners for a safe, secure, prosperous and stable Indian Ocean Region," the Joint Press Communique said.

According to the press communique, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between their countries, and expressed common sentiments that they looked forward to continuing the dialogue and cooperation in the future.

"The visit renewed the sense of commitment of the two friendly neighbours to enhance the security and prosperity of their respective countries and the region," it added.