Maldives signs defence pact with Pakistan, pushes regional cooperation

Maldives has formalised defence ties with Pakistan through a series of bilateral agreements signed during President Mohamed Muizzu's visit, marking a significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations. The defence deals underscore Male's efforts to diversify its strategic partnerships beyond traditional regional alignments.

During the engagement, President Muizzu also reiterated his government's commitment to reviving the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), which has remained dormant on substantive multilateral initiatives for over a decade. The Maldivian leader emphasised the need for renewed regional dialogue and cooperation mechanisms to address shared challenges across South Asia.

The defence agreements with Pakistan come as Maldives has been recalibrating its foreign policy under Muizzu's administration. The nation has sought to strengthen ties with various powers while maintaining its strategic autonomy in the Indian Ocean, a region of critical geopolitical importance.

Saarc, established in 1985, encompasses eight South Asian nations including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. The bloc has struggled with interstate tensions and political differences that have hindered effective multilateral cooperation over recent years. Muizzu's renewed push for Saarc revival reflects Male's broader interest in fostering regional stability and economic integration.