India gifts USD 4 mil defence equipment to MNDF

The Indian government has gifted USD 4 million worth of defence equipment to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) for this assistance was signed between the Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and his Indian counterpart Rajnath Singh, amid the Maldivian Defence Minister’s ongoing visit to India.

The two defence ministers met on Wednesday for high-level talks on mutual cooperation and engagement between the Maldives and India.

WION, a popular Indian online publication while corresponding about this meeting said, the discussions between the defence ministers primarily focused on strengthening the maritime security of the region, and capacity development of Maldivian military through training programs.

Upon the Maldivian government’s request, India had extended USD 4 million worth defence equipment to enhance the island nation’s safety standards. The equipment includes utility vehicles and docking equipment.

At the meeting, both ministers agreed on expediting the harbour development efforts at Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF), for which the Indian government has extended one of its largest grants to the Maldives. The project, valued at MVR 2.9 billion, aims to strengthen the MNDF’s Coast Guard unit.

Groundbreaking ceremony for the project was officiated by Rajnath Singh and former Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi in 2023.

Ghassan’s visit to India is his first formal trip as the Maldivian Defence Minister.