Maldives defence minister's India visit set to strengthen bilateral cooperation
| 2025-01-07
Indian Coast Guard and Maldives National Defence Force personnel during a joint diving exercise in Male on December 17, 2024.
India is supporting the Maldives with provisioning of defence platforms and assets
Maldives Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon will be in India on a three-day visit from Wednesday (January 8, 2025) for bilateral talks with his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh in what is the latest in a series of high-level interactions in recent months.
During their talks in New Delhi on Wednesday, they will review the various facets of bilateral defence cooperation including training, regular exercises, defence projects, workshops and seminars to enhance the capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces as well as supply of defence equipment & stores, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday (January 7, 2025).
During his stay, Maumoon will also be visiting Goa and Mumbai.
The meeting comes less than a week after Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel visited New Delhi from January 2-4, 2025 and held extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
EAM Jaishankar and FM Khaleel took stock of progress made on the understandings reached during talks between Prime Minister Narendra and President Mohamed Muizzu in October 2024 and followed-up on issues that need further focus from both sides.
EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to the Maldives and described the country as a "concrete expression" of India's Neighborhood First policy. He also said that India will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives’ progress and prosperity.
During the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III in Maldives, through grant assistance by the Government of India.
In October 2024, Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu held extensive bilateral talks in New Delhi, aiming to forge a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.
A key outcome of the talks was the decision to advance maritime and security cooperation. As part of this, India is supporting the Maldives with “provisioning of defence platforms and assets” to augment the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). According to the joint vision statement, India will also support Maldives in enhancing surveillance and monitoring capability of MNDF with the provisioning of radar systems and other equipment.
India and the Maldives share spiritual, historical, linguistic and ethnic ties. The Maldives occupies a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which aims to bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both nations are key players in maintaining safety and security of IOR, thus contributing to India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
During their talks in New Delhi on Wednesday, they will review the various facets of bilateral defence cooperation including training, regular exercises, defence projects, workshops and seminars to enhance the capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces as well as supply of defence equipment & stores, the Ministry of Defence said on Tuesday (January 7, 2025).
During his stay, Maumoon will also be visiting Goa and Mumbai.
The meeting comes less than a week after Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel visited New Delhi from January 2-4, 2025 and held extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.
EAM Jaishankar and FM Khaleel took stock of progress made on the understandings reached during talks between Prime Minister Narendra and President Mohamed Muizzu in October 2024 and followed-up on issues that need further focus from both sides.
EAM Jaishankar reaffirmed India's commitment to the Maldives and described the country as a "concrete expression" of India's Neighborhood First policy. He also said that India will continue to be a steadfast supporter of Maldives’ progress and prosperity.
During the meeting, the two sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding for implementation of High Impact Community Development Projects under Phase-III in Maldives, through grant assistance by the Government of India.
In October 2024, Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu held extensive bilateral talks in New Delhi, aiming to forge a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership.
A key outcome of the talks was the decision to advance maritime and security cooperation. As part of this, India is supporting the Maldives with “provisioning of defence platforms and assets” to augment the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). According to the joint vision statement, India will also support Maldives in enhancing surveillance and monitoring capability of MNDF with the provisioning of radar systems and other equipment.
India and the Maldives share spiritual, historical, linguistic and ethnic ties. The Maldives occupies a special place in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, which aims to bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both nations are key players in maintaining safety and security of IOR, thus contributing to India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).
India to Supply Nepal with Daily Electricity After Flood Damage
India will export 654 megawatts of electricity to Nepal daily until December 31, aiding recovery from recent devastating floods.
| 2026-09-15
US Space Force confirms weapons deployed in space orbit
Financial markets across the world respond to unexpected economic indicators, sparking a variety of reactions from investors and analysts.
| 2026-09-15
Maruti Suzuki Exports One Lakh Units of Jimny and Fronx to Japan
Maruti Suzuki has achieved a significant milestone, exporting one lakh units of the Jimny and Fronx models to Japan.
| 2026-09-15
China's Foreign Minister Urges Strengthening International Ties
China's Foreign Minister calls for enhancing global partnerships without regression.
| 2026-09-15
BJP Maintains Position Despite Strong Performance by Independents in Rajasthan
The Bharatiya Janata Party retains influence in Rajasthan local polls, with independents affecting the political balance significantly.
| 2026-09-15