New Delhi: In another sign of a thaw in tensions between India and the Maldives since President Mohamed Muizzu came to power, both countries participated in the fifth Defence Cooperation Dialogue on Friday (September 6), where they discussed issues related to bilateral defence cooperation and acceleration of implementation of various projects in this regard.
Ties between India and the Maldives have been severely strained since Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, assumed office in November 2023. Within hours of being sworn in, he demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives. The withdrawal of Indian troops was completed on May 10 and they were replaced by “competent Indian civilian personnel”. The Dornier aircraft and helicopters were earlier operated by Indian military personnel and were stopped soon after President Muizzu was sworn in last November.
“Both sides also deliberated on other areas of common interest such as high-level exchanges and capacity building projects. Aspects of participation in upcoming bilateral military exercises were also discussed. The entire range of talks was productive and will promote the shared interests of both nations in the near future and bring stability and prosperity to the Indian Ocean region,” the Defence Ministry said in an official statement on the talks.
Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives
According to the Defence Ministry, the talks took place on Friday in New Delhi and the Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was led by General Ibrahim Hilmy, head of the Maldives Defence Force. The last defence talks were held in March last year when former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who boosted ties with India, was in power.
These talks are important as they indicate a possible improvement in India-Maldives relations as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Maldives last year and met Muizzu. He assured the country’s top leaders that Maldives remains an important partner of India in maintaining peace, stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
Muizzu praises India
During the visit, Muizzu expressed his commitment to preserving and strengthening relations with neighbouring India, which he called one of the archipelago nation’s “closest allies and invaluable partners.” Muizzu acknowledged that India has facilitated and provided assistance “whenever the Maldives has needed it” and that the initiatives will provide significant economic benefits, boost local economies and together contribute to the nation’s prosperity.
He also stated that centuries of friendship, mutual respect and a strong sense of kinship have nurtured the relations between the Maldives and India. Muizzu said that the Maldivians value the deep and historic ties with the Indian people and are committed to preserving and enhancing them. He also expressed optimism to see the cooperation between the Maldives and India prosper and develop in the coming years.
Muizzu’s foreign policy is believed to be turning heavily towards China, as he will travel to Beijing in January and meet with top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping. His government has also signed a defence agreement with the Chinese military under which the People’s Liberation Army will assist Maldivian security and defence forces.
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