Rajnath to hand over patrol vessel, landing craft to Maldives

Subject : International Relations

Section: Places in news

Concept :

Defence minister of India Rajnath Singh is on a visit to the Maldives from May 1 to 3,2023 to hold talks with the top leadership of Maldives on various fronts.
In line with India’s commitment to capacity building of friendly countries and partners in the region, he is expected to hand over one fast patrol vessel and a landing craft to the Maldives National Defence Forces.
India’s decision to provide the military platforms to the Maldives came amid China’s persistent efforts to expand its overall influence in the region.
In recent years, India’s relationship with the Maldives, particularly in the areas of defence and security, has been improving, as the Maldives is an important maritime neighbour for India in the Indian Ocean region.
India’s vision of SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) along with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy as well as Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy seek to work together to jointly develop the capabilities within the Indian Ocean region.

SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region

In 2015, India unveiled it’sstrategic vision for the Indian Ocean i.e. Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR). It is an increasing recognition of the increasing importance of maritime security, maritime commons and cooperation.
Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbours and assist in building their maritime security capabilities.
For this, India would cooperate on the exchange of information, coastal surveillance, building of infrastructure and strengthening their capabilities.
Further, India seeks to safeguard its national interests and ensure Indian Ocean region to become inclusive, collaborative and respect international law.