The historical basis of relations between India and Maldives is now on the path of climb after seeing many ups and downs. Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Nebarhood First’ policy, India has given a new height to defense, infrastructure and economic cooperation with Maldives. In this episode, a new building of the Ministry of Defense of Maldives has been prepared with the cooperation of the Government of India, which is not just a building, but a symbol of the strong future of defense and diplomatic relations between the two countries.
The Defense Ministry Building located in Male has been designed keeping in mind the concept of modern technology, energy efficiency and green construction. The building includes state -of -the -art security system, smart infrastructure and technical facilities friendly to defense management. Let us tell you that India provided financial assistance, technical counseling and construction expertise for this project.
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Let us tell you that Maldives is an important strategic partner of India in the Indian Ocean. It is also necessary for India to strengthen its defense capabilities as it will strengthen coordination between the two countries in maritime security, anti -terrorism campaign and disaster management. This new Defense Ministry will give a new basis to the military preparation and institutional strength of the building Maldives.
Let us tell you that this project also underlines the role of India in which it is establishing itself as ‘Net Security Provider’ in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). India has already provided Maldives defense equipment, training and coastal monitoring systems. The new ministry building is the physical expression of this defense cooperation. This will also boost the morale of the armed forces of Maldives and their trust in India will be deepened.
It is believed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate this building during his visit to Maldives. In response to Prabhasakshi’s question, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has also said that if all the formalities and work are completed on time, it can definitely happen.
Let us tell you that with the inauguration of this building, Maldives will also get a clear message that India is its most trusted and permanent friend. The project is also a strong example of India’s ‘soft power diplomacy’ amidst China’s growing influence. This has strengthened India’s priority and attendance in South Asia.
As far as the deepening defense relations between the two countries are concerned, let us tell you that after his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the visit of Maldives President Dr. Mohammad Mujju in October last year, the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs gave information about the important points on which both sides agreed. These points are as follows-
1. Supporting the Maldives with the provision of defense platforms and assets to increase the capabilities of MNDF as well as to carry forward its maritime and safety requirements according to the national priorities of the Maldives government.
2. To provide assistance to Maldives in monitoring MNDF and increasing monitoring capacity with provisions of radar systems and other equipment.
3. To provide support to Maldives on hydrographic matters through capacity building and training according to the requirements of the Maldives government.
4. Strengthening cooperation in the field of disaster response and risk renovation, including the standard operating process (SOP) and development to achieve better intermediateness.
5. Assisting Maldives in the field of sharing information by supporting the development of abilities through infrastructure, training and shares the best practices.
6. Built with the help of India, the state -of -the -art Maldives Ministry of Defense (MOD) building in Male will be inaugurated early, which will increase the modern infrastructure capacity of the Ministry of Defense.
7. Increasing capacity building and training slots for MNDF, Maldives Police Service and other security organizations under ITEC programs and other customized training programs in India.
8. Providing financial assistance for the development and upgradation of MNDF infrastructure.
If seen, India and Maldives are facing equal challenges in the Indian Ocean region, which have a multifaceted effect on the security and development of both countries. The Maldives, along with its vast special economic zone, is facing traditional and non-traditional marine challenges including piracy, IUU fishing, drug trafficking and terrorism.
However, construction of the new building of the Ministry of Defense of Maldives is not just a brick-stone addition in India-Maldives relations, but also a permanent pillar of shared security vision, trust and cooperation between the two countries. The project will further depth the defense and strategic partnership in the future and outline India’s leadership role towards neighboring countries.