Rajnath Singh will meet with Maldivian Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon on January 8, 2025, in New Delhi. This summit intends to develop bilateral defence cooperation between India and the Maldives, with an emphasis on different issues such as training, exercises, and defence projects to improve the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force.
The meeting will take place on January 8, as part of a three-day tour by Minister Maumoon that includes visits in Goa and Mumbai.
Agenda: Discussions will cover: A review of bilateral defence cooperation. Training programs and routine military exercises. Provision of defensive equipment and strengthening of MNDF capability.
This interaction comes after a series of high-level visits between the two countries, including a recent visit by Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Khaleel on January 2-4, 2025. These exchanges are part of India’s wider “Neighbourhood First” strategy, which prioritises peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
The meeting is especially relevant considering recent changes in the Maldives’ political scene, particularly President Mohamed Muizzu’s pro-China position and the consequent evacuation of Indian military forces from the country.
