Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has said that the Maldives' agreements with India and other neighboring countries cannot be disclosed due to confidentiality clauses. He made the remarks in Parliament on Tuesday, while responding to questions posed by Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP).
Minister Ghassan stated that although the agreements are confidential, efforts are ongoing to ensure they are exchanged and reviewed without compromising the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives. He noted that since gaining independence in 1965, the Maldives has signed hundreds of agreements with India, with four currently under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense.
He attributed the lack of disclosure to the actions of the previous government, but assured that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is actively engaged in discussions with the signatories to make the agreements public in accordance with promises made to the people.
Addressing concerns over the presence of foreign troops, Minister Ghassan confirmed that all 74 Indian military personnel previously stationed in the Maldives have now been withdrawn. He clarified that the soldiers were unarmed when the current administration took office and that their departure was carried out under a bilateral agreement with India. This included the withdrawal of 25 troops each from Hanimaadhoo and Kooddoo, and 24 troops from Malé.
Emphasizing national defense, the minister said the sovereignty of the country must be safeguarded by both the people and the military. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the armed forces and justified increased defense spending on equipment such as drones, tankers, and missiles.
Ghassan also noted that under President Muizzu’s leadership, the Maldives has not defaulted on any debt obligations, adding that investing in military capacity remains a strategic priority. His remarks follow the recent procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles from Turkey and modern tankers for the Maldives National Defence Force.
Minister Ghassan stated that although the agreements are confidential, efforts are ongoing to ensure they are exchanged and reviewed without compromising the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives. He noted that since gaining independence in 1965, the Maldives has signed hundreds of agreements with India, with four currently under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Defense.
He attributed the lack of disclosure to the actions of the previous government, but assured that President Dr Mohamed Muizzu is actively engaged in discussions with the signatories to make the agreements public in accordance with promises made to the people.
Addressing concerns over the presence of foreign troops, Minister Ghassan confirmed that all 74 Indian military personnel previously stationed in the Maldives have now been withdrawn. He clarified that the soldiers were unarmed when the current administration took office and that their departure was carried out under a bilateral agreement with India. This included the withdrawal of 25 troops each from Hanimaadhoo and Kooddoo, and 24 troops from Malé.
Emphasizing national defense, the minister said the sovereignty of the country must be safeguarded by both the people and the military. He highlighted the importance of strengthening the armed forces and justified increased defense spending on equipment such as drones, tankers, and missiles.
Ghassan also noted that under President Muizzu’s leadership, the Maldives has not defaulted on any debt obligations, adding that investing in military capacity remains a strategic priority. His remarks follow the recent procurement of unmanned aerial vehicles from Turkey and modern tankers for the Maldives National Defence Force.
