Rajnath conveys readiness to help Maldives in boosting defence capability

Defence minister Rajnath Singh conveyed India's readiness to support the Maldives in capability enhancement in a meeting with his counterpart in the capital on Wednesday. This includes provisioning of defence platforms, with some equipment also handed over during the visit.

Bilateral talks were conducted with Maldives defence minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, who was also accorded a guard of honour earlier in the day.

"During the talks, both sides reasserted the firm commitment to work closely in realising the joint vision for India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership," an official said.


Singh also spoke of New Delhi's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and the vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) with the visiting minister.

Maumoon is on his first official visit to India and discussions revolved around bilateral cooperation, capability enhancement and jointness in tackling common challenges.