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By Manjeet Negi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is set to embark on a three-day visit to the Maldives from May 1 to May 3 with the aim of bolstering bilateral defence and strategic ties, people familiar with the matter said on Saturday.
During his visit, Singh will hold bilateral talks with his Maldivian counterpart Mariya Ahmed Didi and Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid. The entire gamut of defence relations between the two countries will be reviewed during the deliberations. The Defence Minister will also call on Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
In tune with India’s commitment to capacity building of friendly countries and partners in the region, Rajnath Singh will gift one Fast Patrol Vessel ship and a Landing Craft to the Maldives National Defence Forces.
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During his stay, he will also visit the ongoing project sites in the country and interact with the Indian diaspora. Singh’s visit will be an important landmark in building the strong bonds of friendship between the two countries.
India and the Maldives are working closely to effectively address shared challenges, including maritime security, terrorism, radicalisation, piracy, trafficking, organised crime and natural disasters.
India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) along with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well as Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy seeks to work together to jointly develop the capabilities within the Indian Ocean Region.
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