Agra (Uttar Pradesh) [India]: Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday highlighted India’s strides in adopting and integrating new technologies within the defence sector. He remarked on the growing global recognition of India’s technological advancements and their application in defence systems.
Speaking about the progress, Singh stated:
“The work is underway in the field of technology. In defence, the work is going on in research and innovation. There are many weapons where new technology is being used. India’s credibility in terms of technology has been increasing globally.”
In a bid to bolster India’s defence ties and global cooperation, Singh is set to hold a bilateral meeting with Maldives Defence Minister Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon in New Delhi on Wednesday.
The talks will focus on various facets of defence cooperation between India and the Maldives, including joint training programs, exercises, defence projects, and the enhancement of the Maldives National Defence Forces’ capabilities.
The Maldives Defence Minister is scheduled for a three-day visit to India from January 8 to 10. His itinerary includes visits to Goa and Mumbai to explore defence collaborations further.
In a press release, the Ministry of Defence stated:
“Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh will hold a bilateral meeting with the Defence Minister of Maldives, Mr Mohammed Ghassan Maumoon, in New Delhi on January 08, 2025. During the talks, the two Ministers will review the various facets of bilateral defence cooperation, including training, regular exercises, defence projects, workshops, and seminars to enhance the capability of the Maldives National Defence Forces as well as the supply of defence equipment and stores.”
The press release further emphasized the longstanding ties between India and the Maldives, which are rooted in shared spiritual, historical, linguistic, and ethnic connections. It underscored the special place the Maldives holds in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy, aimed at fostering stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The statement also highlighted the shared commitment of both nations to maintaining safety and security in the IOR, contributing to India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR).