During a recent briefing, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson highlighted the significance of capacity building in India’s defence and security engagement with the Maldives. The MEA affirmed India’s readiness to advance such cooperation if a request for pilot training is received from Male. This reaffirms the strong bilateral ties between India and the Maldives, particularly in the realm of maritime security.
The previous agreement between the two countries saw Indian military personnel operating essential aircraft for medical evacuations in the Maldives. Despite the repatriation of Indian personnel, India remains committed to supporting the Maldives in enhancing its defence capabilities. This reflects India’s broader strategy of bolstering regional security and cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.