India ready to support Maldives in boosting defence preparedness: Rajnath Singh

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh with his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon. (Courtesy: X | @rajnathsingh)

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has conveyed to his Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon that India is ready to support the island nation in boosting its defence preparedness.

"Singh reaffirmed India's readiness to support the Maldives in capability enhancement for defence preparedness, including provisioning of defence platforms and assets to augment its capacities, as per its national priorities and in line with New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the vision of SAGAR - Security And Growth for All in the Region," defence ministry said on January 8.

The remarks come almost eight months after New Delhi pulled out its military personnel from the Maldives as per its President Mohamed Muizzu's demand. India-Maldives ties took a hit soon after Muizzu took over as the President in November 2023. He forced India to withdraw more than 85 military personnel who were deployed in the island nation to operate an aircraft and two helicopters, and his foreign policy displayed a tilt towards China.

The defence ministers reasserted their firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership, according to an Indian readout. Singh on January 8 hosted Maumoon for wide-ranging talks focusing on maritime security cooperation. The Maldivian defence minister is on a three-day visit to India.

According to the defence ministry, Singh and Maumoon comprehensively reviewed various aspects of bilateral defence and security cooperation.

"During the talks, both sides reasserted the firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership," it said.

Rajnath Singh termed the talks with his Maldivian counterpart 'fruitful' and said that the discussions will add new vigour to India-Maldives relations.

"Several issues pertaining to deepening defence cooperation were discussed which would also help in enhancing the capability of Maldives National Defence Forces. Today's discussions will add new vigour to India-Maldives relations," he said.