India signs 6 pacts with the Maldives; cybersecurity, defence take centrepoint

Coordination between India and the Maldives in defence and security is vital for peace and stability in the region, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday as New Delhi announced it will provide two naval vessels and vehicles for the Maldivian defence forces.

The two sides signed six agreements, including one on cybersecurity and another on creating a network of police facilities in the archipelago, as visiting Maldivian President Ibrahim Solih held talks with PM Modi. The Indian side unveiled additional financial assistance of more than $250 million for the Maldives, one of the main beneficiaries of New Delhi’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy.

The two leaders reviewed infrastructure projects being implemented in the Maldives to develop roads, ports, airports and housing under India’s development cooperation portfolio of more than $2 billion.