India, Maldives eye defence cooperation as ties improve

Defence minister Rajnath Singh and his Maldivian counterpart Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon on Wednesday reaffirmed the readiness of the two countries to enhance ties to a "comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership", and reviewed various elements of defence cooperation to boost the capability of the Maldives National Defence Force.

- Rahul Singh

Singh said the discussions will add "new vigour" to India-Maldives relations.

"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," the defence ministry said in a statement. The two sides had agreed on this partnership last October.

Singh said that India was ready to support the Maldives to boost its defence preparedness, including through provisioning of defence platforms and assets to augment its capacities, in line with its national priorities, New Delhi's "Neighborhood First" policy, and the vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region).