Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh went on a three day visit in Male on 1 May 2023 on the invitation of his Maldivian Counterpart Defence Minister Mariya Didi. They held bilateral talks to enhance defence cooperation and strengthen the longstanding partnership between India and Maldives. They decided to expand their collaboration in the military and security fields after discussing a wide range of regional and international security problems of mutual concern.
Both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security in the region and recognised the need to work together to address common security challenges. They emphasised the significance of respecting the international law and the rule-based system of international order and expressed their commitment to upholding these principles.
The Ministers applauded the developments in the two countries’ continuous defence cooperation, including joint military drills and visits by military personnel. They also emphasised the value of exchanging best practises and knowledge in fields including disaster management, maritime security, cyber security, and counterterrorism.
The Ministers decided to look into other opportunities for collaboration, such as trade in defence products, capacity building, and collaborative training. They also discussed the need to promote people-to-people contacts and exchanges between the armed forces of both countries.
Rajnath Singh met with Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and made a courtesy call on Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, President of the Maldives, during the tour.
President of the Maldives Solih was present at the event for the commissioning of the Huravee replacement ship, as were Ministers Rajnath Singh and Didi. The Prime Minister of India Modi had announced the provision of the replacement ship for the aging Huravee, during President Solih’s recent visit to India.
Additionally, Minister Rajnath Singh gave the MNDF another landing craft. In keeping with India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR), which aims to collaborate with and collaboratively build the capacities of allies and partners for a safe, secure, prosperous, and stable Indian Ocean Region, these warships have been handed over.
The visit saw the laying of the foundation stone for the MNDF Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’ by Minister Singh and Minister Didi. The development of the Coastguard Harbour and repair facility at Sifavaru is one of the biggest grant-in-aid projects of India.
Security and Growth for all in the Region
In keeping with Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi’s vision of SAGAR, Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and Defence Minister of Maldives, Ms @MariyaDidi jointly laid the foundation stone for MNDF Ekatha harbour in Male. pic.twitter.com/7j3TcET75T
— रक्षा मंत्री कार्यालय/ RMO India (@DefenceMinIndia) May 3, 2023