INVC NEWS
Maldives ,
The visit of the Hon Defence Minister of India Shri Rajnath Singh to Maldives on 1 May 2023 on the invitation of his Maldivian Counterpart Defence Minister Ms Mariya Didi, was a successful one. The meeting between the two Defence Ministers was aimed at enhancing defence cooperation and strengthening the longstanding partnership between India and Maldives. The visit resulted in an official Joint Press Communique that highlights the agreements and achievements during the meeting.
Bilateral Talks and Cooperation
During the bilateral talks between the two Ministers, they discussed various regional and global security issues of mutual concern. Both Ministers agreed to deepen their cooperation in the defence and security domains to maintain peace, stability & security in the region. They also recognised the need to work together to address common security challenges.
The two Ministers underscored the importance of respecting international law & rules-based international order and expressed their commitment to upholding these principles. They also welcomed the progress made in ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries, including joint exercises and exchanges of visits by military officials.
Sharing Best Practices and Expertise
India and Maldives also noted the importance of sharing best practices and expertise in areas such as counter-terrorism, disaster management, cyber security and maritime security. The Ministers agreed to explore additional avenues for cooperation, including in the areas of defence trade, capacity building and joint exercises. They also discussed the need to promote people-to-people contacts and exchanges between the armed forces of both countries.
Commissioning of Replacement Ship and Gifting of Landing Craft
During the visit, the Hon Minister Shri Rajnath Singh paid a courtesy call on His Excellency the President of Maldives Mr Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and met Foreign Minister His Excellency Mr Abdulla Shahid. Furthermore, Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister Didi attended the ceremony for the commissioning of the replacement ship for Huravee, in the presence of the President of Maldives HE Solih. The Hon Prime Minister of India HE Modi had announced the provision of the replacement ship for the aging Huravee, during President Solih’s recent visit to India.
Minister Rajnath Singh also gifted MNDF an additional Landing Craft. The handing over of these vessels are in line with India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) that seeks to work together with and jointly develop the capabilities of friends and partners for a safe, secure, prosperous and stable Indian Ocean Region.
Foundation Stone for the MNDF Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’
The visit saw the laying of the foundation stone for the MNDF Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’ by Hon 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. The construction of the harbour will help the Maldives Coast Guard to be more effective in patrolling the country’s exclusive economic zone and in protecting the country’s marine resources.
Conclusion
The visit of the Hon Defence Minister of India Shri Rajnath Singh to Maldives was a successful one, which resulted in the strengthening of the longstanding partnership between India and Maldives. The Joint Press Communique highlighted the agreements and achievements during the meeting, including the deepening of cooperation in the defence and security domains, the sharing of best practices and expertise, and the commissioning of the replacement ship and gifting of a landing craft.
