Stable, secure Maldives is in India’s strategic interest, says PM Modi

The two countries sign six agreements to strengthen ties

Reuters:  Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (11 April) said a stable and secure Maldives was in India’s strategic interest, as the two nations signed six documents to strengthen bilateral ties.

Modi, who held talks with the visiting Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in New Delhi, asserted progress, security and economic development was at the core of India-Maldives relations.

“The stability and security of the Maldives are in the interest of India. Problems of Maldives are also a concern for us. I believe that India’s economic progress cannot happen without development of our neighbours,” said Modi.

Modi added that implementation of a concrete action plan in the defence sector would strengthen security cooperation between the two countries.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi(2R)and President of the Republic of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom (2L)look on as officials exchange folders after a signing of agreements following a meeting in New Delhi on 11 April - AFP

The Indian Prime Minister also said India was ready to protect its strategic interests in the region.

India and Maldives signed six agreements in different sectors, including avoidance of double taxation, conservation and restoration of ancient mosques, tourism and defence.

Calling India as the Maldives’ most important friend, Yameen in his remark called for cooperation between security agencies of both countries to tackle the menace of rising radicalisation of youth and terrorism.

“The security of the Maldives is intimately linked with the security of India. During my visit, Prime Minister and I exchanged views on further expanding our ongoing partnership to counter militant radicalism, cross border terrorism, organised crimes and other forms of security threats facing our two countries,” Yameen said.

India and Maldives commemorated 50 years of diplomatic relations last year. Both the countries have historically had a close relationship, both as neighbours and friends in the Indian Ocean region. Ancient ties of trade, culture, linguistic and religious interfaces have provided the foundation for relations in present times. 

India and Maldives have consistently supported each other in multilateral fora such as the UN, the Commonwealth, the NAM and the SAARC.