Are ties between India and the Maldives improving again? New Delhi will improve the defense readiness of the island nation.

India expresses its willingness to assist the Maldives in enhancing its defense readiness capabilities.

A few months after the Maldives and India's relationship deteriorated, New Delhi informed the island nation that it was willing to help it improve its defense readiness. The development coincides with the hosting of Maldivian counterpart Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh for extensive discussions centered on maritime security cooperation. Maumoon is in India for three days.

The two defense ministers met and, according to an Indian readout, reaffirmed their strong commitment to work closely together to achieve the common objective of a comprehensive economic and marine security relationship between India and the Maldives.

"I remember our brief encounter with you in October 2024, when President Mohamed Muizzu was in India on a state visit. The Joint Vision Document, which was unveiled during the visit, serves as a compass for our two nations, and the President of the Maldives' visit has given our bilateral relationship a new direction," India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stated.

Maumoon's trip to India follows New Delhi's decision to withdraw its troops from the Maldives in response to a request from Mohamed Muizzu, the country's pro-China president, almost eight months ago. The months-long incident had severely damaged relations between the two countries.

The two ministers also discussed several facets of their bilateral defense and security cooperation during the meeting.

"Both sides reaffirmed the strong commitment to work closely in realizing the joint vision for the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership during the talks," the defense ministry stated.

The Maldives' unique status under India's Neighbourhood First Policy was also emphasized by the defense minister. According to Rajnath Singh, the Maldives held a unique position under India's Neighbourhood's First Policy, which sought to stabilize and develop the Indian Ocean region.

In line with national priorities, Rajnath Singh "reaffirmed" India's willingness to help the Maldives improve its defense capabilities, especially by supplying defense platforms and assets. "This support is in line with the 'Neighbourhood First' policy of New Delhi and the SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region) vision," the defense ministry said.