Giridhar Aramane (L) and Gen Ibrahim Hilmy in New Delhi, on September 6, 2024. (Photo: MoD)
New Delhi: In a sign of thawing ties between New Delhi and Male, India and the Maldives held the fifth round of their Defence Cooperation Dialogue in the national capital, on Friday. The talks focused on strengthening security cooperation between the two countries in the Indian Ocean region.
The defence secretary, Giridhar Aramane, led the Indian contingent, while the chief of the Maldives National Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, represented the atoll nation. This high-level engagement served as a platform to evaluate ongoing defence collaborations and chart the course for future joint initiatives.
This meeting marked a significant step in reinforcing bilateral relations, particularly amid evolving geopolitical dynamics after the current president, Mohamed Muizzu, assumed power in the Maldives. Also, these talks come close to the heels of the Indian foreign minister’s visit to the atoll nation. S Jaishankar’s visit, from August 9 to 11, was aimed to reinforce the longstanding partnership between India and the Maldives, as India Sentinels had reported.
Friday’s talks provided an opportunity to review and expedite the implementation of various defence cooperation projects. They covered several critical areas, like the current security situation in the IOR, enhancement of maritime security initiatives, acceleration of India-led ongoing defence and capability-development projects in the Maldives, review of high-level exchanges, and planning upcoming bilateral military exercises.
The Indian Ocean, a vital artery for global commerce and a hotbed of geopolitical interests, took centre stage in the discussions, according to officials privy to the talks. Talking to reporters, they said both New Delhi and Male recognize the paramount importance of maintaining stability in these waters, not only for their national security but also for the economic well-being of the entire region.
India and the Maldives share a longstanding defence relationship that has seen significant growth over the decades. As key maritime neighbours, their cooperation has played an important role in maintaining regional security, especially in the Indian Ocean. However, the election of Mohamed Muizzu as president, known for his pro-China stance, has introduced new dynamics into the India-Maldives relationship.
Besides, Muizzu’s call for a reduced Indian military presence in the Maldives has upset the traditionally strong ties between the two countries.
Despite these challenges, Indian officials described the dialogue as “productive” and “will advance” shared interests in the Indian Ocean region. Both sides expressed optimism that the defence cooperation between India and the Maldives is expected to remain a cornerstone of regional security architecture.
