Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday inaugurated the newly built Ministry of Defence (MoD) building in the capital city of Male together, highlighting the increasing defence cooperation between the two countries.
The new, eleven-storey building commanding a view of the Indian Ocean is a visible landmark of the strong and long-lasting security relationship between India and the Maldives. The building, as reported by a statement released by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO), was constructed with Indian financial aid and is set to hugely enhance the operational capabilities of Maldivian defence and law enforcement personnel.
Posting on social media platform X, the Office of Maldivian President made known, "His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of the Republic of India, inaugurate the Dhoshimeyna Building, the new office complex of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)."
Prime Minister Modi also posted on X, labeling the launch a brilliant example of bilateral cooperation.
"President Muizzu and I opened a new Ministry of Defence building in Male. Another example of robust India–Maldives cooperation," he posted.
Earlier, Modi reaffirmed India's focus on the Maldives as a core player in its regional diplomacy strategy.
"Had very fruitful talks with President Muizzu. Maldives is at the heart of our 'Neighbourhood First' and Mahasagar Vision.". Our conversation touched upon a number of sectors, including commercial and cultural connections. We both opined that the India–Maldives friendship will ever remain bright and transparent. India feels privileged to cooperate closely with the Maldives in sectors like housing, connectivity, infrastructure, defence, digital technology, and more. Climate change and renewable energy are two crucial pillars of our bilateral cooperation," he shared on X.
As a token of appreciation, Indian Prime Minister also handed over two Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes to President Muizzu on behalf of the Government of India.
Sharing the news on X, the President's Office tweeted, "His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu receives two Aarogya Maitri Health Cubes donated by His Excellency Shri Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, on behalf of the Government of India to the Maldives. The hi-tech portable hospitals have an ICU, operating theatre, laboratory, X-ray, and other emergency medical facilities. Every unit is capable of working independently for 72 hours and can treat 200 people at a time."
Prime Minister Modi has arrived on a two-day official tour of the Maldives, after being invited by President Muizzu.
