India, Maldives review security & def ties, to boost connectivity

NEW DELHI: India and the

Maldives

on Friday reviewed their defence and security cooperation in the 6th joint commission meeting with focus also on improving connectivity in the archipelago. The meeting chaired by foreign minister S Jaishankar and his counterpart Abdulla Shahid saw the two countries signing three agreements including one for cooperation in financial intelligence.


“We had a fruitful discussion covering a range of issues. Main focus was on the implementation of the US $1.4 billion economic package (announced earlier by India),” Shahid told TOI after the meeting.

“Our two sides agreed to partner in the Greater Male Area Connectivity project that will connect the islands in the west of Male with the capital. We also agreed to work more to increase Indian investments and tourists to Maldives,” he added. The two countries said in a joint statement that ongoing cooperation in security and defence partnership was reviewed.

“India-Maldives defence cooperation includes key infrastructure projects such as construction of the Composite Training Centre (CTC) for the MNDF, and Ministry of Defence Building, and the setting up of the Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS), as well as training programmes for MNDF officials in India, joint exercises, medical camps, etc. The Maldivian side acknowledged the usefulness of CGS Kaamiyaab gifted by the Government of India for the enhancement of its maritime security,” said the statement.

Both ministers also emphasised the nurturing of a strong bilateral partnership in the maritime domain given the shared interests and common challenges in the Indian Ocean Region.

The government said in another statement that PM Modi reiterated in a meeting with Shahid, India’s commitment to partner Maldives for a strong, democratic, prosperous and peaceful Maldives.