Indo-Maldives defence agreement triggers controversy; Pakistan and Maldives agree to establish ‘Friendship Caucus’ of parliamentarians
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    • According to the Indo-Maldives defence and security framework, the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force would carry out joint surveillance and patrolling activities in the India Ocean. New Delhi will also provide a Dhruv helicopter and help establish a twenty-five bed military hospital in the island chain1. Reports also noted that India will establish a network of ground radars in the country and link them up with the Indian Coastal Command2. The agreement has triggered domestic opposition with certain media reports stating that “Maldivian sovereignty was under threat and that the country was becoming an Indian protectorate3.”

    Pakistan and Maldives have agreed to establish a ‘Friendship Caucus’ comprising of members of Parliament from both countries. Among issues that are intended to be discussed include foreign and internal affairs, economy and industry, science and technology, socio-cultural and security related issues.

    The Maldives Ambassador to Bangladesh, Ahmed Sareer met with the Bangladesh Police Chief Ahmed Faseeh and discussed measures to strengthen relations between the two police forces, including facilitating higher education and special training opportunities for Maldives police officers. The difficulties being faced by Bangladeshi emigrants working in Maldives were also discussed4.

    In other developments, the IMF has agreed to provide $60 million to Maldives under a 30-month stand-by agreement. The loan is intended to relieve the pressures on the Maldivian economy on account of reduced tourist inflows due to the global economic recession5.

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