Tue May 06 13:03:05 UTC 2025: ## Maldives Amends Defence Agreements with India to Safeguard Sovereignty
**Malé, Maldives –** The Maldives government has announced it is amending existing defence agreements with India to ensure they do not compromise the nation’s sovereignty and independence. This follows criticism from the opposition regarding pacts signed under the previous administration.
Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon confirmed to Parliament that 74 Indian soldiers, repatriated last year, were unarmed during their deployment. He stated that of over 100 agreements signed with India since 1965, four under the Defence Ministry’s purview are being revised. A key agreement under review involves the development of a naval dockyard at Uthuru Thilafalhu with Indian assistance. While the Minister cited confidentiality clauses preventing full disclosure, he indicated amendments address concerns raised by the current administration about conflicting national policies.
President Mohamed Muizzu, in a recent 15-hour press conference, downplayed concerns about the agreements, a stance criticized by opposition leader Abdulla Shahid, who called for an apology for what he termed “false claims” made during the 2023 election campaign. Shahid pointed out that Muizzu’s election win was partly based on a campaign platform that highlighted concerns over these agreements.
The amendments come amidst a period of resetting relations between India and the Maldives following a period of strained ties after Muizzu assumed office in November 2023. Following his demand for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, a mutual agreement saw their replacement with civilian personnel by May 2024. The Minister clarified that the Indian military presence was limited to supporting Dornier aircraft and helicopters under an assistance program.
Despite the amendments, both countries have sought to improve bilateral ties following visits by Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and President Muizzu to each other’s nations in 2024. The Maldives remains a key partner for India in its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision ‘SAGAR’.
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