Maldives Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon is embarking on a three-day visit to India starting Wednesday, January 8, 2025. This significant trip, aimed at bolstering defence cooperation, will include discussions with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi. The visit underscores the growing strategic ties between the two nations through a series of high-level engagements in recent months.

Focus on Defence Collaboration

During their talks in New Delhi, the two ministers will review key areas of bilateral defence cooperation. These include joint training programs, regular military exercises, collaborative defence projects, and workshops designed to enhance the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF). Additionally, India’s supply of defence equipment and stores to the Maldives will also feature prominently in the discussions, according to the Indian Ministry of Defence.

Beyond the capital, Minister Maumoon is scheduled to visit Goa and Mumbai, broadening the scope of his engagements during the visit.

Recent Diplomatic Momentum

This meeting comes shortly after Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel's trip to India from January 2–4, 2025, where he held extensive discussions with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The two leaders assessed the progress made on key agreements reached during the October 2024 talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar emphasized India’s steadfast dedication to its relationship with the Maldives, highlighting the island nation’s pivotal role in India’s "Neighbourhood First" policy. He also emphasized India’s role as a steadfast partner in the Maldives’ journey toward progress and prosperity.

Key Agreements and Projects

In their recent talks, the two countries formalized a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to carry out High-Impact Community Development Projects as part of Phase-III, financed through India’s grant assistance program. This initiative is part of the broader efforts to enhance the Maldives’ socio-economic development.

The October 2024 bilateral talks between PM Modi and President Muizzu further strengthened the partnership, focusing on economic collaboration and maritime security. A critical outcome of these discussions was advancing maritime cooperation, with India pledging support to the Maldives by providing defence platforms and assets to bolster MNDF’s operational capabilities. The agreement also includes enhancing surveillance through radar systems and other equipment.

Shared Vision for Regional Security

India and the Maldives share deep-rooted ties in spiritual, historical, linguistic, and ethnic dimensions. The Maldives plays a pivotal role in India’s vision for regional stability and prosperity under the “Neighbourhood First” policy. Both countries are vital stakeholders in ensuring safety and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), aligning with India’s broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

This visit by the Maldives Defence Minister is expected to further cement the partnership, contributing to the shared goal of peace and stability in the region.