Agreements being amended to protect Maldives sovereignty: Minister

Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon has said that existing defence agreements with India are being amended to ensure they do not compromise the Maldives' sovereignty and independence.

Responding to questions raised by Parliament members, Minister Ghassan said the agreements formed with India as part of long-standing close ties between the two countries had been amended or is being amended to ensure that they protect the sovereignty and independence of Maldives.

Minister Ghassan said that there are four agreements with India under the purview of the Defence Ministry, including one involving the development of a military facility at Uthuru Thila Falhu with Indian assistance.

While in opposition, the current government criticized aspects of the Uthuru Thila Falhu agreement, claiming that certain provisions conflicted with national policy. The minister said such clauses are now being amended, but did not share further details.

Citing confidentiality clauses, Minister Ghassan said the agreements and their amendments could not be made public. However, he stated that if formally requested by the parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee), he would disclose them.

Speaking during a press conference held by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu last Saturday, he said that except for the hydrographic agreement, the remaining agreements have been resolved after talking directly with them.

“There is nothing to worry about now. However, a confidentiality clause is currently restricting the disclosure of the amended agreements. Therefore, bilateral discussions are underway," President Muizzu said.

President Muizzu expressed hope that once discussions conclude, the relevant clauses will be shared with the media.

During the press conference President Muizzu reiterated his commitment to disclose international agreements made by the previous government, in line with his presidential promise.

Concerns in previous government's agreements have been resolved: President Muizzu