Maldivian Defence Minister to Visit India for Bilateral Talks on Defence Cooperation

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7th Jan. Maldivian Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon will be on a three-day visit to India starting Wednesday to bolster bilateral ties, especially in defence and security. This visit follows a period of strained relations between the two nations after Maldives’ pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu took office and requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island.

During his visit, Maumoon is set to hold comprehensive discussions with India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi on January 8. The two leaders are expected to review various aspects of defence cooperation, including joint training, military exercises, and defence equipment supply aimed at strengthening the Maldives National Defence Forces.

The Defence Ministry emphasized that the Maldives is integral to India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, which seeks to promote stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). Both countries are key players in maintaining the safety and security of the IOR and contribute to India’s broader vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR).

Maumoon will also visit Goa and Mumbai during his trip. This visit marks a shift in diplomatic relations after a period of cooling due to Muizzu’s stance. However, following his visit to Delhi in October 2024, the Maldivian President pledged to restore and strengthen bilateral relations with India.