Work ongoing to amend India pacts, Maldives minister says

Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon has stated that efforts to amend certain provisions in agreements between the Maldives and India are ongoing, despite President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s earlier comments that issues of concern in the agreements had been resolved.

Speaking in Parliament on Tuesday, Minister Ghassan was responding to questions raised by Vikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyad regarding the Maldives–India defence agreements. The questions focused on whether the agreements contained provisions that compromise the country’s independence and sovereignty, and sought clarification on the changes President Muizzu had referred to in a press conference held on Saturday.

Ghassan said that work continues within the framework of bilateral cooperation to revise the agreements while preserving the Maldives’ sovereignty. He noted that confidentiality clauses in the agreements prevent disclosure, echoing the President’s explanation for not releasing the contents publicly.

“The agreements include provisions requiring mutual confidentiality,” Ghassan said. “As a result, the details cannot be unilaterally disclosed.”

MP Ziyad also asked why the presidential pledge to disclose the agreements had not yet been fulfilled. Ghassan reiterated the President’s explanation that confidentiality requirements bind both governments.

Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan, a member of the People’s National Congress (PNC), also questioned the minister. Azan, who had previously criticised the agreements during the tenure of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, asked whether any amendments had been made to the agreement related to the development of the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) port and whether the agreement would be submitted to Parliament’s Security Services Committee (241 Committee).

Ghassan responded that revisions to the UTF agreement are under review by a high-level coordination committee formed between the Maldives and India. He confirmed that the committee’s last meeting took place in May of the previous year but stated he was not informed of the schedule for future meetings as he is not a member of the committee.

“If the Parliament requests information, I will share it with the 241 Committee,” he said.

MP Ameen Faisal of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) also asked whether the agreements included any elements that compromise national independence. Ghassan declined to respond, citing the confidentiality obligations once again.

“Any disclosure or changes must be made through mutual agreement,” he said.

The previous administration, led by President Solih, also maintained that the agreements could not be disclosed due to confidentiality provisions. While in opposition, the current government had called for transparency on the matter.

President Muizzu stated at Saturday’s press conference that discussions were being held with India to allow the release of the agreements in line with his promise to the public. He acknowledged the presence of confidentiality clauses and said talks were aimed at overcoming those constraints.