Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh met with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih at the President’s Office, where he affirmed India’s continued support and assistance to the Maldives.
During the meeting, President Solih expressed gratitude for India’s assistance and support to the Maldives in various sectors, emphasizing the special relationship between the two countries. The President also noted the remarkable progress achieved in the hydrography surveys being conducted with India’s assistance and thanked the Indian government for providing the equipment to undertake the study.
In response, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed confidence in the continued partnership in defence cooperation between India and the Maldives, citing the commissioning of the Coast Guard Ship (CGS) Huravee and the landing craft gifted during his visit as strengthening the capabilities of the Maldives in maritime security.
Furthermore, the ministers discussed the progress of various developmental projects undertaken by India in the Maldives, including high-level visits and people-to-people contacts. They also underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and security in the region, recognizing the need to work together to address common security challenges, and upholding international law and the rules-based international order.
Concluding the meeting, Minister Rajnath Singh assured India’s continued assistance and support to the Maldives and expressed his commitment to exploring new avenues for cooperation between the two nations.