Pakistan and Maldives have discussed strengthening defence cooperation and institutional ties during Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s three-day visit to Islamabad, marking the first visit by a Maldivian president to Pakistan in 11 years.
Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, who also serves as the country’s Chief of Defence Forces, met Muizzu on Wednesday to discuss regional security and opportunities for closer bilateral engagement.
According to a statement issued by the Pakistan Army, the discussions covered matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment and ways to expand cooperation. Both sides emphasised the importance of stronger defence ties, institutional linkages and professional exchanges.
Munir highlighted the longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the Maldives and reaffirmed Islamabad’s commitment to expanding cooperation while promoting regional peace, stability and security through constructive engagement.
Pakistan and Maldives Sign 20 Agreements
The visit also resulted in the signing of 20 memorandums of understanding between the two countries, covering several areas, including defence, maritime security and artificial intelligence.
The agreements signal an effort by Islamabad and Male to broaden their bilateral relationship beyond existing diplomatic engagement. However, the specific terms and implementation timelines of the individual agreements were not detailed in the report.
Muizzu’s visit represents renewed high-level engagement between the two countries as regional powers increasingly focus on maritime security and strategic partnerships across the Indian Ocean.
Why the Visit Matters for India
The developing Pakistan-Maldives relationship carries strategic significance for India because of the Maldives’ location along important Indian Ocean shipping routes and its role in regional maritime security.
India has traditionally been a major security and development partner for the Maldives, providing assistance in maritime surveillance, defence training and capacity-building.
The island nation also holds an important position in India’s Neighbourhood First foreign policy, which prioritises constructive relations with neighbouring countries. Cooperation between India and the Maldives contributes to New Delhi’s broader vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region, known as SAGAR.
Pakistan’s renewed outreach to Male comes as India continues to engage with Indian Ocean neighbours to protect maritime interests and promote regional stability.
While the latest agreements reflect closer engagement between Pakistan and the Maldives, their longer-term strategic implications will depend on how the proposed cooperation develops and is implemented.
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