New Delhi, January 8: Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh held bilateral discussions with the Defense Minister of Maldives, Mr. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, here today, taking stock of strengthening bilateral defence and security collaboration. The meet has marked one important step for taking forward a closer strategic partnership between the two countries within the scope of the Comprehensive Economic & Maritime Security Partnership.
Principal Discussion & Ingress
During the meetings, the ministers took a serious review of their defense cooperation at various levels. The ministers insisted that both were committed to maintaining regional stability and security. Leaders agreed to intensify joint endeavors on maritime security, counter-terrorism, and disaster response issues.
This is done by building upon the geographical proximity and mutual interests of India and Maldives in strengthening maritime domain awareness, capacity building, and infrastructure development. This partnership also aligns with India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy and the strategic focus of the Maldives on the improvement of its defence capabilities.
Regional Security and Cooperation
India and Maldives have enjoyed a close defence relationship for a long time, with India playing a pivotal role in capacity building and training for Maldivian defence forces. Bilateral ties have further deepened in recent years with initiatives such as coordinated patrols, joint exercises, and sharing of critical maritime data to combat illegal activities in the Indian Ocean region.
Shri Rajnath Singh said that India will always stand by the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Maldives while reiterating the need for cooperation in ensuring peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.
Economic & Maritime Security
The economic and security dimensions of the partnership stretch to ensuring free and secure trade routes, stopping illegal fishing, and mitigating the impacts of climate change in the region. Proactive involvement by India in the development of infrastructure and disaster relief efforts in the Maldives makes this a multidimensional partnership.
The talks concluded on a positive note with both ministers expressing confidence in further strengthening the India-Maldives defence partnership for mutual benefit.
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