Maldives keen on India help to combat drug trade fuelling Pakistan-sponsored terror

Time of India

5 days ago

Prime Minister Modi's Maldives visit emphasizes strengthened security cooperation to combat drug trafficking, a key priority for President Muizzu, which is fueling Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terror. India's support includes potential joint efforts with Maldivian forces and leveraging the Colombo Security Conclave to address regional security threats.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day Maldives visit starting Friday will be marked by the strengthening of bilateral security partnership to counter illicit drug trade in the Indian Ocean Region that is fuelling Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terror.Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has made the fight against drug trade one of his national priorities, and during the visit, he could seek the Indian PM's support to counter this growing menace.War against drugs in the Arabian Sea requires interoperability of forces. People said the Indian security establishment could join hands with Maldivian Defence Forces towards this purpose.Maldives is part of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC) that India has put together. The CSC's core objective is to promote regional security by addressing transnational threats and challenges of common concern to member states.There are five pillars of cooperation under the CSC namely Maritime Safety and Security; Countering Terrorism and Radicalisation; Combating Trafficking and Transnational Organised Crime; Cyber Security and Protection of Critical Infrastructure and Technology; and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.The CSC, which began as a National Security Advisor-level dialogue between India, Sri Lanka, and Maldives, received momentum since 2020, taking a concrete shape with regular meetings and expansion to include Mauritius besides acting as a platform to provide stability in the western and southern Indian Ocean Region. Bangladesh and Seychelles are observer states of CSC and there are plans to include Oman and Myanmar in CSC at a later stage.New Delhi is also an indispensable partner amid Male's fiscal vulnerabilities, the people said. India has helped ease Maldives' economic strain through measures like a $400 million currency swap in 2024, supporting trade and financial stability. Major Indian-backed projects, including the Greater Male Connectivity Project, along with investments in water, health, education, and sanitation are driving sustainable development and regional integration.