New Delhi:
In a significant move to restore bilateral relations, Maldivian Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon visited New Delhi this week to engage in comprehensive talks with his Indian counterpart, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. This meeting, held on January 8, marks a crucial step in rebuilding the defence cooperation between the two nations, which had faced setbacks in recent months.
The discussions between the two defence ministers were extensive, focusing on the joint vision for a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership between India and Maldives. Rajnath Singh emphasized India’s commitment to enhancing the defence capabilities of the Maldives, underscoring New Delhi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and its vision for stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The talks delved into various aspects of bilateral defence and security cooperation, including training programs, regular exercises, and the supply of defence equipment. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working closely to achieve their shared security goals, aligning with India’s SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative.
The visit by Maumoon comes eight months after India withdrew its military personnel from the Maldives, following a demand by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who had adopted a pro-China stance after his election in November 2023. This move had significantly strained the relations between the two countries, which had historically enjoyed strong cultural and bilateral ties.
President Muizzu’s decision to withdraw Indian military personnel was part of his broader strategy to assert Maldives’ autonomy over its territories and enhance its capabilities for underwater surveys. However, the economic challenges faced by the Maldives led to a rapprochement with India, particularly after Muizzu’s visit to New Delhi in October 2024, where he agreed on a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Since then, there have been several high-level visits between the two nations, including a recent meeting between Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. These interactions have been instrumental in mending the ties and paving the way for renewed cooperation in defence and other sectors.
Maumoon’s visit to India also includes tours of key defence shipyards, such as Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and the Goa Shipyard, aimed at identifying opportunities for technology sharing and strengthening defence collaboration.
