The Maldives has announced that it is in the process of amending existing defense agreements with India to ensure that they do not compromise the island nation's sovereignty and independence. This announcement was made by Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon while addressing Parliament members on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.
Minister Maumoon clarified that these amendments are being made to agreements formed as part of the long-standing close ties between the two countries. He stated that the goal is to ensure that the agreements fully protect the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives. According to the state-run news agency PSM News, since gaining independence in 1965, the Maldives has signed over 100 agreements with India, with the Defence Ministry currently overseeing four of them.
The Defence Minister addressed questions regarding the Indian military personnel previously stationed in the Maldives. He confirmed that all 71 Indian personnel had been repatriated following bilateral discussions, with the final contingent departing on May 9, 2024. He also noted that the Indian soldiers had not carried weapons while stationed in the Maldives. These personnel have been replaced by civilians in a mutually agreed manner between March and May 10. These replacements are essential for operating Indian aviation platforms, which are crucial for evaluation, humanitarian assistance, and disaster response activities in the Maldives.
One of the key agreements under review pertains to the development of a military facility at Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) with Indian assistance. The current government had previously criticized aspects of this agreement while in opposition, claiming that certain provisions conflicted with national policy. Minister Maumoon stated that these clauses are now being amended but did not provide further details, citing confidentiality clauses. He did however state that he would disclose them if formally requested by the parliament's Committee on National Security Services.
President Mohamed Muizzu had previously stated during a press conference that most of the agreements, except for the hydrographic agreement, have been resolved through direct discussions with India. He also acknowledged the presence of confidentiality clauses restricting the disclosure of the amended agreements and expressed hope that these clauses could be shared with the media upon conclusion of ongoing discussions.
These developments follow a period of strained relations between India and the Maldives, which saw a decline in Indian tourists and a reduction in Indian aid. However, recent high-level exchanges and a renewed commitment to a comprehensive economic and maritime security partnership signal a potential reset in bilateral relations. Both countries are working to revitalize their military ties, with India pledging continued support for the Maldives' defense preparedness and the Maldives appreciating India's role as a "First Responder".
