India Enhances Maldives Defence Capabilities with 72-Vehicle Donation
In a significant move to enhance bilateral defense ties, India has presented the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) with a fleet of 72 vehicles. This gesture signifies a deepening of cooperation between the two countries.
The ceremonial handover occurred at the President’s Office in Malé on July 25, coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official visit to the Maldives. During a brief ceremony, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu accepted a symbolic key from Prime Minister Modi.
This contribution is a continuation of an agreement established earlier in the year, following discussions between Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during the former's official visit to India.
The gifted vehicles comprise a variety of operational and utility equipment for the MNDF:
| 8 | 27-seater buses |
| 10 | pickup trucks |
| 10 | mini-vans |
| 10 | vans |
| 5 | lorries |
| 8 | tractors |
| 4 | tipper dump trucks |
| 4 | backhoe loaders |
| 2 | cranes |
| 6 | mini excavators |
| 5 | excavators |
India emphasized that the donation aims to bolster the MNDF’s operational efficiency and logistical capabilities. This initiative underscores the strengthening strategic partnership and defense collaboration between the two nations.
Officials from both countries expressed optimism that this endeavor would contribute to enhancing regional security and capacity-building efforts within the Maldives.
