New Delhi, January 2025 – Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Maldivian counterpart, Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon, held a pivotal bilateral meeting in New Delhi on Wednesday to reaffirm India’s commitment to the Maldives in defence and development cooperation. The meeting marks a renewed phase of engagement between the two Indian Ocean neighbours amid a recent thaw in diplomatic ties.
Maumoon is on a three-day visit to India, aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and fostering collaboration in areas critical to the safety and prosperity of the Indian Ocean region.
India’s Continued Support
During the delegation-level talks, Singh highlighted the longstanding partnership between the two nations. Recalling his previous discussions with Maumoon during Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu’s state visit to India, Singh underscored India’s unwavering support for the Maldives’ development projects and defence needs.
“India has consistently offered avenues for capacity building to the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) through training, joint exercises, workshops, and equipment supply,” Singh remarked. He assured Maumoon of India’s commitment to sustaining this momentum, stating, “As a trusted partner and a close friend, India will continue to support the Maldives in its development needs and the welfare of its people.”
Singh also noted that the Joint Vision Document released during President Muizzu’s visit serves as a guiding framework to deepen cooperation in defence and beyond.
Focus on Regional Stability
The meeting emphasized the shared responsibility of India and the Maldives in maintaining security and stability in the Indian Ocean region. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to the “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR) initiative, which underscores the importance of a peaceful and prosperous maritime domain.
“The Maldives holds a special place under India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, which focuses on fostering stability and prosperity in the region,” Singh added.
Renewed Bilateral Momentum
India and the Maldives have shared historically close ties, but recent years saw strains in the relationship, particularly following President Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel in late 2023. However, Muizzu’s visit to Delhi in October 2024 marked a turning point, with both nations committing to revitalizing their strategic partnership.
Maumoon’s current visit signals continuity in this upward trajectory, as both countries seek to strengthen defence collaboration to address emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean region.
Conclusion
The robust discussions between the Indian and Maldivian defence ministers underscore the deep-rooted partnership between the two nations. With shared goals of regional security and mutual development, the relationship is poised for further growth, reinforcing the importance of India-Maldives defence cooperation in ensuring a stable and prosperous Indian Ocean region.
