On this page:

• Maldives Military
• Security Cooperation
• Maldives and Australia
• Security Relationship with India and China

Maldives Military

The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) is a relatively small military that consists of approximately 2,500 personnel. Its branches include the Maldivian Coast Guard and the MNDF Marine corps. Apart from the combat and manoeuvre forces, the MNDF also consists of support services, a defence intelligence service, a medical corps, and Adjutant-General's corps.

The Maldives military has undergone several transformations during its history. In 1979, it received a name change from the National Guard to the National Security Service (NSS) and was placed under the Ministry of Defence and National Security. The police remained an integral part of the NSS until September 2004, when it was declared a civil body under the Ministry of Home Affairs and renamed the Maldives Police Service. In April 2006, the NSS officially was named the MNDF. The ranking system of the MNDF is based on the traditional British and US military system with Major General being the highest held rank.

Military Cooperation

Defence diplomacy and cooperation is considered vitally important considering the size of the MNDF and the large geographical area of the Maldives’ maritime territory. Successive governments have prioritised development over military spending, placing greater emphasis on military partnerships and interoperability.

Significant effort has been made in key areas such as building the capacity of MNDF, mobilising military assistance, obtaining training in foreign military and civilian institutions, undertaking joint military operations with friendly countries, and conducting joint exercise and training events. The Office of Defence Adviser has been established at the embassy in Malaysia in addition to existing offices in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Efforts are also underway to establish the same in the UK. In addition, an MNDF delegation has actively participated in the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition since January 2021.

Maldives and Australia

The Maldives is part of Australia’s Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE) along with Timor-Leste, Vietnam, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Laos, Cambodia, India, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia. Australia’s IPE tour includes military exercises, workshops, training, sporting events, and cultural activities. It is aimed at deepening cooperation on issues ranging from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to gender, peace, and security.

Security relationship with India and China

In 2024, President Mohamed Muizzu ordered the withdrawal of about 80 Indian troops from Maldives’ Territory. This announcement came shortly after he visited Beijing. Unlike the previous government, led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih – who had an "India-first" approach – Muizzi is openly favourable towards China. Both Beijing and Male elevated their ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during his visit.

Maldives relationship with India deteriorated after several Maldivian junior ministers made controversial comments about Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This led to a call on Indian social media to boycott the Maldives as a holiday destination.

The Maldivian government signed a "military assistance" agreement with China during the President’s visit which includes non-lethal weapons provided for free as well as training for the Maldivian security forces (both India and the US have trained the Maldivian military so far). He also allowed a Chinese research ship, Xiang Yang Hong 3, to dock at Male, despite opposition from Delhi who fears it may be used to collect data for future Chinese military submarine operations.

The rhetoric between India and Maldives has softened; however, analysists are concerned that the power struggle between India and China will continue to play a destructive part in Maldives’ future.

For further information on Maldives’ military, see the resources below

1. MNDF
2. Maldives signs China military pact in further shift away from India | CNN
3. Presidential Address 2024: The Maldives must strengthen modern military capabilities to comprehensively defend the country by land, air, and sea – The President – The President's Office (presidency.gov.mv)
4. Explainer: Why the Maldives wants Indian troops out | Reuters
5. Maldives: Indian troops to exit country as China gains foothold (bbc.com)
6. Maldives ultimatum on troops deepens row with India (bbc.com)
7. Indo-Pacific Endeavour returns in force | Defence