India pledged military support for Maldives to ensure regional security.
India has assured Maldives of its continued support in enhancing the island nation's military capabilities for regional security purposes.
In a meeting with Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon, who is currently on his first official visit to India, Indian Defence Minister Singh said Maldives is an important partner in the efforts to ensure security and safety in the Indian Ocean region under India's Neighbourhood First policy.
As such, he noted that India has always been providing training opportunities and military equipment to enhance the capabilities of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
"It is very important to move forward at this pace. India will continue to support Maldives and the MNDF through various projects, equipment and training activities," Singh said.
Apart from the military sector, he assured that India will continue to provide assistance to Maldives' social and infrastructure development as well.
While Ghassan visits India and holds talks to strengthen military ties bilaterally, Maldives, in line with the government's promise to remove foreign military presence in the country, has had previously locally stationed Indian troops withdraw from the country.
During the meetings held between both countries previously, it was agreed to bring in employees of the company that manufactured the helicopters donated by India to Maldives instead of the Indian army to operate them. The helicopters were built by a government company under the Indian Defense Ministry.
As such, the company's employees are now stationed in Maldives instead of Indian troops to operate the helicopter and Dornier aircraft as agreed by the two countries. When this government took office, relations with India deteriorated, but have since improved through mutual efforts.
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