MALÉ, Maldives — India has continued to play a significant role in strengthening the Maldives’ defence capabilities over the past three years, providing military equipment, training opportunities, technical assistance and infrastructure support despite an initial period of diplomatic tension between the two countries.
Since President Dr Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023, defence cooperation between Malé and New Delhi has undergone a notable transition, with both governments moving from disagreements over the presence of Indian military personnel to renewed collaboration on maritime security and defence capacity building.
One of the most significant developments came in July 2025, when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Maldives and jointly inaugurated the new Ministry of Defence headquarters with President Muizzu.
The 11-storey building in Malé, constructed with Indian grant assistance, provides modern administrative and operational facilities for the Ministry of Defence and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
During the same visit, India handed over 72 vehicles to the Maldivian Ministry of Defence, further expanding its assistance to the country's security institutions.
The two governments have also maintained cooperation on the development of the MNDF Coast Guard harbour at Uthuru Thila Falhu, known as the Ekatha Harbour Project. The facility is intended to strengthen the Coast Guard's operational and logistical capabilities.
Defence cooperation continues despite earlier tensions
Relations between the Maldives and India faced challenges following President Muizzu's election in 2023, particularly over the presence of Indian military personnel operating aviation platforms provided to the Maldives.
In May 2024, India completed the withdrawal of approximately 80 military personnel, replacing them with civilian technical staff to support the operation of two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft used for medical evacuations, maritime surveillance and search-and-rescue operations.
The arrangement allowed the Maldives to pursue its policy of removing foreign military personnel while preserving aviation services important to the country's geographically dispersed island communities.
Defence relations subsequently gained momentum.
In September 2024, senior defence officials from both countries held the fifth India–Maldives Defence Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi, discussing ongoing projects, training and military cooperation.
President Muizzu's state visit to India in October 2024 further strengthened relations, with both leaders adopting a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership framework.
The agreement included commitments to improve maritime surveillance, provide defence platforms and equipment, strengthen disaster-response capabilities and expand training opportunities for Maldivian security personnel.
Equipment, maritime security and training
India's military assistance has extended beyond infrastructure development.
During Maldivian Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon's official visit to New Delhi in January 2025, India handed over defence equipment and stores at the request of the Maldivian government.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reaffirmed New Delhi's readiness to support the Maldives in strengthening its defence preparedness in accordance with the country's national priorities.
Training remains another major component of the relationship.
According to information published by the Indian High Commission, India meets approximately 70 percent of the MNDF's defence training requirements and has trained more than 1,500 Maldivian defence personnel over the preceding decade.
Military cooperation also includes joint exercises, maritime patrols, counter-narcotics operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster-response training.
In December 2025, the armed forces of both countries participated in the 14th edition of Exercise Ekuverin in Kerala, with 45 personnel from each side taking part in training focused on counterterrorism and operational coordination.
The two countries have also maintained cooperation through naval engagements and the trilateral Exercise Dosti involving Sri Lanka.
More recently, in October 2026, three Indian naval and Coast Guard vessels — INS Tir, INS Sujata and ICGS Sarathi — visited the Maldives as part of a long-range training deployment.
The visit included professional exchanges and training activities with the MNDF. Critical spare parts for the Maldivian Coast Guard vessel MCGS Huravee were also handed over, supporting the vessel's operational readiness.
A partnership centred on maritime security
The Maldives' extensive Exclusive Economic Zone and its location along major Indian Ocean shipping routes make maritime security an important national priority.
Indian assistance has supported Maldivian capabilities in surveillance, search and rescue, emergency medical evacuation, operational training and Coast Guard infrastructure.
The relationship also carries wider strategic importance as both countries seek to address regional threats, including drug trafficking, illegal fishing and other maritime security challenges.
While the first year of President Muizzu's administration was marked by disagreements over foreign military presence, subsequent developments suggest a more pragmatic approach to bilateral defence relations.
India remains a major defence development and training partner for the Maldives, with continued cooperation focused on equipment, infrastructure, maritime security and strengthening the MNDF's operational capabilities. (Source: News syndicate)
