India Signs USD 50 Million Defence Agreement With Maldives To Boost Maritime Capabilities

India signed a USD 50 million defence Line of Credit agreement with Maldives on Sunday to facilitate capability building in the maritime domain.

Reaffirming India’s ties with the island nation, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives.

Jaishnakar, who is here on a two-day visit, held discussions with Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.

"Cordial meeting with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi . Useful exchange on our defence cooperation. India will always be a reliable security partner for the Maldives," he tweeted.

Cordial meeting with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi. Useful exchange on our defence cooperation. India will always be a reliable security partner for Maldives. pic.twitter.com/0TTZVAMRfJ

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2021

"Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi  the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security," he said.

Glad to sign with Defence Minister @MariyaDidi the UTF Harbour Project agreement. Will strengthen Maldivian Coast Guard capability and facilitate regional HADR efforts. Partners in development, partners in security. pic.twitter.com/dYhpVZDd7e

— Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) February 21, 2021

(With PTI inputs.)