Maldives, India have not signed any military deals: Foreign Minister

Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has denied signing any military agreements with India.

Speaking to the media in New Delhi, the minister said not only have they not signed any such agreements but that they did not even discuss the matter.

However, he noted that the countries will continue to hold joint military exercises.

Shahid is part of the high-level delegation that accompanied President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on his three-day visit to India, his first state visit since assuming office in November.

During the visit which concluded on Tuesday, both sides signed four agreements.

READ MORE: Maldives, India sign four agreements

When questioned whether the president’s India trip could have any negative effects on Maldives’ bilateral ties with China, the foreign minister said that ties between both countries will remain strong.

He further noted China’s immense contribution to the development of the country.

The foreign minister also spoke about India’s loan to Maldives, highlighting that its purpose is to help the country overcome the current financial crisis caused by the former administration.

On Monday, India announced the decision to provide financial assistance up to USD 1.4 billion in the form of “budgetary support, currency swap and concessional lines of credit to fulfil socio-economic development programmes” to Maldives.

Minister Shahid also emphasized that they had reached an agreement for India to provide 1,000 scholarships to Maldivians, during the trip.

He further noted that President Solih’s trip to India is the beginning of his work to bolster ties with nations.

President Solih is to visit Abu Dhabi next; the trip is to take place next year.