Gov’t greenlights establishment of Indian defense platforms, assets in Maldives

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has agreed to bring additional Indian military vessels with Indian troops, to the Maldives.

As part of his ongoing official visit to India, Muizzu met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

After their official talks, a joint press release and Indian media outlets have reported that the Maldivian leader has given the green light for India to establish "defense platforms and assets" in the Maldives, on Monday.

India is providing assistance in enhancing the Maldives National Defence Force's (MNDF) monitoring and surveillance capabilities by providing "radar systems and other equipment."

As part of Muizzu's meeting with PM Modi in New Delhi, India agreed to assist Maldives’ in efforts to overcome economic difficulties and potential debt default facing the island nation.

The two leaders agreed to transform the relationship between the two countries into a Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

It has been revealed that India would provide assistance to the Maldives to enhance its capability to protect its vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from common and extraordinary maritime security challenges.

Modi said that he had extensive discussions with Muizzu on multiple areas of defense and security cooperation.

The Indian PM revealed that they would continue cooperation in training and capacity building of the Maldives National Defence Force and that together, they would work for the stability and progress of the Indian Ocean region alongside enhancing cooperation in hydrography and disaster response.

According to a statement released after the meeting between the two leaders, it was revealed that the government of India would assist the Maldives by providing "defense platforms and assets" or military vessels to enhance the capabilities of MNDF for maritime safety and security needs, in line with national priorities.

Previously, India had stationed some military troops in the Maldives to operate and fly the Dornier aircraft and two Advanced Light Helicopters gifted by India, and for emergency medical evacuations from remote islands.

Muizzu, who played a lead role on the forefront of the 'India-Out' campaign in the Maldives, won the presidential election in September 2023 and launched efforts to evacuate all Indian military personnel from the Maldives as promised during his campaign. However, Indian troops in civilian clothes are still operating in place of uniformed military personnel.