India gives Maldives defence help

India says the two neighbours face similar threats

India and the Maldives have agreed to greater levels of co-operation on matters of defence and security, an Indian defence ministry spokesman says.

A series of measures were agreed in meetings between Indian Defence Minister AK Antony and the President of the Maldives, Mohammed Nasheed.

Mr Antony, who is on a three-day visit to the Maldives, said the countries faced common security threats.

He said Delhi was willing to extend whatever support the Maldives required.

"India and Maldives have agreed on a series of measures to step up defence cooperation between the two countries," Indian defence ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar said was quoted as saying by the Press Trust of India news agency.

He said the Maldivian authorities "expressed concerns over the crucial tasks of safeguarding and protecting their vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) while stating its need to develop and enhance maritime surveillance and aerial mobility capabilities".

But Mr Antony denied reports in the Indian media that an offer by Delhi of military assistance to the Maldives is driven by self-interest.

Media reports said Delhi was offering to establish a comprehensive maritime surveillance plan, by installing a network of ground radars in the Maldives and linking them with the Indian Coastal Command.

Analysts see the move as a possible Indian response to Chinese efforts to establish close strategic relations with India's neighbours including Burma, Pakistan and Bangladesh.