Speaking after the bilateral talks with Yameen, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the threat of cross-border terrorism, challenge from radicalisation and overall security scenario in the Indian Ocean Region were discussed and both sides agreed to step up cooperation in these areas.
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Moving forward after a spell of unease in ties, India and Maldives Monday inked six pacts including a key one on expanding defence cooperation as Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President of the island nation Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom held wide-ranging talks on a range of key issues. “Information exchanges between security agencies and training and capacity building of Maldives Police and security forces is important part of our security cooperation”, he said.
In Defence sector a concrete Action Plan will be operationalised soon to strengthen cooperation, port security, training of officials and ocean surveillance.
Yameen briefed Modi about the political and institutional reforms going on in Maldives and said island country is undergoing a transition. Relations between the Maldives and India are based on the cherished principles of mutual respect…That is why the Maldives pursues an India first foreign policy, he said.
“We are conscious of security needs of Maldives”.
A separate MoU proposes to undertake conservation and restoration of ancient mosques and other historical monuments in Maldives by India. They also signed an agreement for the exchange of information with respect to taxes.
“India is the most important friend of the Maldives”.
The Maldivian President also invited Mr Modi to visit his country.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj had visited Maldives in October previous year, in a bid to improve ties with the strategically located country, where China has been trying to expand influence.
As China continues to increase its engagement with Maldives, the Indian Ocean archipelago nation’s President Abdulla Yameen arrived in India on Sunday on a two-day bilateral visit.
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will be meeting the visiting President on April eleven.
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India and the Maldives completed 50 years of diplomatic ties last year. Such efforts come against the backdrop of India’s apparent support for the former Maldivian president, Mohammed Nasheed, and the repeated calls to the Maldives to move forward on the road to democracy.
