In a significant gesture of goodwill, India has presented a fleet of 72 vehicles to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), marking a pivotal moment in the bilateral defence relations between the two nations. The ceremonial handover took place at the President’s Office in Malé on July 25, coinciding with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official State visit to the Maldives.
During the ceremony, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu received the symbolic keys from Prime Minister Modi, underscoring the importance of this donation. This event highlights a commitment to strengthening defence ties, following an agreement reached earlier in the year between Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon and India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh during Minister Ghassan’s visit to India.
The fleet includes a variety of operational and utility vehicles tailored for the needs of the MNDF. Among the diverse consignment are eight 27-seater buses, ten pickup trucks, ten mini-vans, ten standard vans, five lorries, eight tractors, four tipper dump trucks, four backhoe loaders, two cranes, six mini excavators, and five standard excavators.
India’s donation aims to enhance the operational readiness and logistical capabilities of the MNDF, reflecting a deepening strategic partnership between the two countries. Officials from both sides expressed optimism that this initiative will significantly contribute to regional security and efforts aimed at building capacities within the Maldives. The growing partnership highlights a mutual commitment to countering regional challenges and fostering stability in the Indian Ocean region.
