Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is slated to visit the Maldives for three days beginning Monday with the goal of strengthening bilateral defence and strategic ties.

Separately, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari is expected to visit Sri Lanka on Monday.

The scheduled visits by the defence minister and the Chief of Air Staff to India’s two critical maritime neighbours come amid China’s ongoing effects to enhance its influence in the region’s countries.

Singh is expected to meet Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid and Defence Minister Mariya Didi during his visit to the Maldives.

According to sources, the defence minister will leave for the Maldives on Monday and return on Wednesday.

“The focus of the visit will further expand bilateral defence cooperation”, sources added.

The Maldives is one of India’s main maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region, and the overall bilateral ties, notably in defence and security have been strengthening in recent years.

Last August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Solih launched the India-funded Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP), billed as the island nation’s largest infrastructure initiative.

A 6.74-km-long bridge and causeway link will be built as part of the GMCP project to connect the capital city of Male with the neighbouring islands of Villingli, Gulhifalhu and Thilafushi.

The Maldives is also one of the major beneficiaries of India’s Neighbourhood First policy.

Last month, Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane visited the Maldives and met with his Maldivian counterpart Major General Abdulla Shamaal.

On May 1, 2023, Air Chief Marshal Chaudhari will visit Sri Lanka.

(With input from PTI)

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