India signs defence pact with Maldives

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday underscored India’s role as a net security provider in Indian Ocean.

He joined Maldives President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom in New Delhi to witness signing of five pacts, including a defence cooperation action plan.

“India is fully aware of its role as a net security provider in Indian Ocean and is ready to protect its military interests in the region,” Modi said while addressing media with Abdulla Yameen.

The prime minister’s comment came at a time when India was seeking to expand its strategic footprints in Indian Ocean in response China’s growing maritime assertiveness in the region.

“We are conscious of security needs of Maldives. President Yameen agreed that Maldives will be sensitive to our strategic and security interests. It is clear that the contours of India-Maldives relations are defined by our shared strategic, security, economic and developmental goals,” said the prime minister.