The government has declined to disclose full details of defence agreements with India, citing confidentiality clauses embedded within the agreements, according to Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon. He clarified the government's position during a parliamentary session in response to transparency concerns raised by Vaikaradhoo lawmaker Hussain Ziyad.
Restrictions on disclosure, he explained, stem from specific provisions governing information access. Since the Maldives gained independence in 1965, more than 100 agreements have been signed between the two nations, he explained. Of those, he stated that the defence ministry oversees four.
"Amid the close ties between the two nations, adjustments have been made to agreements to safeguard the independence, sovereignty, and integrity of the Maldives, with ongoing efforts to ensure their continued alignment," Minister Ghassan elaborated.
One of the key agreements under review pertains to the development of a naval dockyard at Uthuru Thilafalhu. Minister Ghassan stated that a high-level committee, comprising representatives from both countries, is examining the circumstances surrounding its formulation. In response to concerns over transparency, he affirmed the government's respect for parliamentary oversight, assuring that any information permitted for disclosure would be shared with the Parliament's Committee on National Security Services upon request.
Minister Ghassan also addressed questions regarding Indian military personnel in the Maldives. No Indian forces, he confirmed, are currently stationed in the country. Of the 71 Indian personnel previously deployed, all have been repatriated following bilateral discussions, with the final contingent departing on 9 May 2024. He further stressed that Indian soldiers had not carried weapons while stationed in the Maldives.
The minister clarified that the Indian military presence had been limited to providing operational support for Dornier aircraft and helicopters operating under India's assistance programme. Moving forward, these operations will be carried out by civilian personnel. The withdrawal, he noted, was a necessary step to ensure national sovereignty remains uncompromised.
President Dr Mohamed Muizzu had previously stated in a press conference that any clauses within existing agreements posing a risk to the security, sovereignty, or independence of the Maldives had been addressed. Minister Ghassan reinforced that commitment, concluding that the government remains resolute in preserving the nation's peace, security, and independence.