Defence Minister Rajnath Singh handed over two ‘Made in India’ defence platforms and held bilateral talks to enhance defence cooperation and strengthen the partnership between India and Maldives when he met his counterpart Mariya Didi during his three-day visit to the neighboring country.
Singh described the handing over of the two ‘Made in India’ platforms as a symbol of the shared commitment of both nations and their objectives towards peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
“India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years. A defence manufacturing ecosystem has been created which has the advantage of abundant technical manpower. We produce world-class equipment to meet not only our own needs, but also for exports. India’s commitment to supporting the Maldives will only get stronger with time,” Singh had said during the handover ceremony which was also attended by President of Maldives HE Solih.
Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the provision of the replacement ship for the aging Huravee, during President Solih’s visit to India back in 2022.
On Singh’s meeting with Solih, the defence ministry in Delhi said the Maldivian President expressed gratitude for India’s continued aid and support to the country in various sectors, stating that it is a testament to New Delhi’s special regard for it.
In his remarks, Singh also said India’s commitment to support the Maldives will only get stronger with time and noted that the handing over of the two ‘Made in India’ platforms to the MNDF is a symbol of the shared commitment of the two countries towards peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
