India committed to aiding Maldives in addressing challenges

NEW DELHI: India is committed to assisting Maldives in achieving defence and security objectives as both countries have had to address the challenges of piracy, smuggling, extremism and religious fundamentalism, President Pranab Mukherjee said.

Welcoming President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom, who is on his first State visit here after assuming the post, Mukherjee said the visit reflected the priority attached to the bilateral relationship with India and the same is fully reciprocated.

"India, like Maldives, would like to see uninterrupted peace and security prevail in the Indian Ocean region. Both countries have had to address the challenges of piracy, smuggling, extremism and religious fundamentalism," he said.

At the banquet hosted in honour of the visiting Head of State yesterday in Rashtrapati Bhavan, the President said India remains fully cognisant of the needs of Maldives in dealing with these issues and is committed to assisting the Government of Maldives in achieving its defence and security objectives.

Mukherjee said among the areas of close cooperation between India and Maldives was an excellent defence and security relationship.

Emphasising that India wished to work with Maldives and other like-minded nations to ensure peace in the Indian Ocean region, the President said both countries are natural partners in this enterprise.

"At a regional level, the two countries can do much more to enhance cooperation among the States to achieve better maritime domain awareness and increase coordination and surveillance by them," he said.

Mukherjee said India appreciated the efforts of the political leadership in Maldives in ensuring a free and fair electoral process and a constructive outcome.

He said recent Presidential elections and the smooth transition of power in the archipelago nation was a testimony to the strengthening of democracy in that country.

"India has always been happy to extend support and assistance, as and when required, to Maldives. India shall be happy to continue to do so in the years to come. India would like to see Maldives continue to be stable, peaceful and prosperous, fulfilling the aspirations of its citizens," he said in his speech at the function.