India Provides USD 4 Million in Defence Equipment to the Maldives

The Government of India has provided the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) with defence equipment worth USD 4 million. 

The assistance comes as part of ongoing efforts to bolster regional security and enhance military cooperation between the two nations.

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A memorandum of understanding (MoU) formalising the assistance was signed between the Maldivian Minister of Defence, Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, and his Indian counterpart, Rajnath Singh. The agreement was reached during Minister Ghassan’s official visit to India, which includes high-level discussions on mutual defence cooperation.

During his first official visit to India, Minister of Defence @mgmaumoon held bilateral discussions with his counterpart Shri Rajnath Singh. The meeting focused on exploring avenues to further strengthen defence cooperation between both nations.@DefenceMinIndia pic.twitter.com/6xHnSNuQrf— Ministry of Defence (@MoDmv) January 8, 2025

The defence ministers met yesterday to discuss various initiatives, including regional maritime security and capacity-building programmes for the Maldivian military. According to WION, a prominent Indian media outlet, the talks emphasised training programmes and resource sharing aimed at strengthening the Maldives’ defence capabilities.

The USD 4 million package, extended at the request of the Maldivian government, includes utility vehicles and docking equipment. Both sides also reviewed progress on the harbour development project at Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF), a major initiative funded by India with a grant valued at MVR 2.9 billion. The UTF project is intended to enhance the MNDF Coast Guard’s operational capacity.

Held fruitful talks with Maldives Defence Minister Mr Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi.

Several issues pertaining to deepening defence cooperation were discussed which would also help in enhancing the capability of Maldives National Defence Forces. Today’s discussions will… pic.twitter.com/PIYY9NXK5v— Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) January 8, 2025

The harbour development effort was inaugurated in 2023 by Rajnath Singh and the Maldives’ former Minister of Defence, Mariya Ahmed Didi. Both countries have agreed to accelerate work on this strategic project to ensure timely completion.

Minister Ghassan’s visit marks his first official trip to India as the Maldivian Minister of Defence, highlighting the importance of bilateral ties in maintaining regional security and collaboration.