MALDIVES: Rajnath Singh, India's defense minister, emphasized the country's commitment to helping friendly countries through fostering defensive alliances while on a visit to the Maldives. 

The Defense Minster handed over two 'Made in India' platforms, a Fast Patrol Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship, to the Maldives National Defence Forces.

Due to India's recent rise to prominence as a top supplier of defence products, a strong defence ecosystem has been able to grow, enhancing partner nations' capabilities. Singh urged greater IOR nation cooperation to tackle shared regional issues like resource sustainability and climate change. He also emphasised the necessity of group efforts to keep the Indian Ocean peaceful and maximise resource use for regional prosperity.

Singh attributed the 'Neighbourhood First' and 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) policies to the significant defence collaboration between India and the Maldives. He referenced the 2019 visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the Maldives, during which Modi emphasised the importance of the Maldives in India's neighbourhood strategy.

Singh spoke with Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih about ongoing initiatives and possible chances to deepen defence ties during his visit. President Solih thanked India for its ongoing assistance in a number of areas and emphasised New Delhi's unique esteem for the Maldives.

According to the Ministry of Defence, India's dedication to assisting friendly foreign nations in the defence industry is a reflection of both its expanding manufacturing capacity and its desire for mutually beneficial cooperation. India's commitment to establishing regional alliances and tackling shared issues in the IOR exemplifies its leadership in the area.

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