New Delhi/Male, May 3 (UNI) Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Maldivian counterpart Mariya Ahmed Didi reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability and security in the Indian Ocean region and recognised the need to work together to address common security challenges. The two ministers jointly laid the foundation stone for the Maldivian National Defence Force Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’, a major grant-in-aid project of India.
During their talks in Male, the two ministers discussed a wide range of regional and global security issues of mutual concern, and agreed to deepen their cooperation in the defence and security domains, a joint statement issued said.
Both Ministers reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace, stability & security in the region and recognised the need to work together to address common security challenges. They underscored the importance of respecting international law & rules-based international order and expressed their commitment to upholding these principles.
The Ministers welcomed the progress made in ongoing defence cooperation between the two neighbours, including joint exercises and exchanges of visits by military officials. They also noted the importance of sharing best practices and expertise in areas such as counter terrorism, disaster management, cyber security and maritime security, it said.
The Ministers agreed to explore additional avenues for cooperation, including in the areas of defence trade, capacity building and joint exercises. They also discussed the need to promote people-to-people contacts and exchanges between the armed forces of both countries.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister Didi attended the ceremony for the commissioning of the replacement ship for Huravee, in the presence of the President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the provision of the replacement ship for the aging Huravee, during President Solih’s August 2022 visit to India.
Minister Rajnath Singh also gifted MNDF an additional Landing Craft. The handing over of these vessels are in line with India's vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) that seeks to work together with and jointly develop the capabilities of friends and partners for a safe, secure, prosperous and stable Indian Ocean Region, it said.
The visit saw the laying of the foundation stone for the MNDF Coast Guard ‘Ekatha Harbour’ by Rajnath Singh and Minister Didi. The development of the Coastguard Harbour and repair facility at Sifavaru is one of the biggest grant-in-aid projects of India.
Both Parties reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening the partnership between their countries, and expressed common sentiments that they looked forward to continuing the dialogue and cooperation in the future.
The visit renewed the sense of commitment of the two friendly neighbours to enhance the security and prosperity of their respective countries and the region, it added.
The Defence Ministry in a tweet said:
“Security and Growth for all in the Region
In keeping with Prime Minister Shri @narendramodi’s vision of SAGAR, Raksha Mantri Shri @rajnathsingh and Defence Minister of Maldives, Ms @MariyaDidi jointly laid the foundation stone for MNDF Ekatha harbour in Male.”
On the handing of the patrol vessel and landing craft, the Defence Minister in a tweet said on Tuesday:
“Delighted to handover a Fast Patrol Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship to Maldives today. It is a symbol of our shared commitment towards peace & security in the Indian Ocean Region.”
UNI RN