The dialogue touched on bilateral military exercises and was the first defence dialogue after India-Maldives relations witnessed strained ties earlier. 

• Maldives President in pursuance of his "India Out" campaign had Indian military personnel withdraw from Maldives while also pursuing pro-China policies. 
• However, recent deepening cooperation is in line with India’s External Affairs Minister’s recent visit to Maldives and Maldives President’s attendance at India's Prime Minister's oath ceremony.

Importance of India for Maldives 

• India is seen as a Net Security Provider in Indian Ocean Region (IOR)
• India has been the first responder in crises in Maldives (Operation Neer in 2014 during water crisis, Vaccine Maitri during COVID-19 Pandemic).
• Maldives wants to reinstate India among the top three tourist markets (tourism is key to the Maldives economy). 
  • Recently, Maldives faced decline in tourist footfall from India.

Significance of Maldives for India 

• India’s Neighbourhood First Policy (NFP): Maldives is one of the cornerstones of NFP, Vision SAGAR, India’s commitment to the Global South.
• Strategic location: It is located between major Indian Ocean chokepoints (Gulf of Aden, Strait of Hormuz and Strait of Malacca). 
• First line of defence: Maldives serves as the first line of defence against various maritime threats such as terrorism, and piracy. 
• Reducing the influence of China in the IOR.