India's coastal surveillance radar system crucial for us, says Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi

Maldivian Defense Minister Mariya Didi, who is in India for a week-long visit, has termed India's coastal surveillance radar system crucial for it and said it will act as a deterrence. In an interview with WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, she discussed many issues including ties with India, China. Edited excerpts.

WION: How was the talks with the Indian defence minister?

Mariya Ahmed Didi: We had a very good discussion. It was the first meeting between both of us. It was generic in structure. India has been very open to us since we share the same values, democracy, fundamental freedoms, human rights. It is our interest to keep a close relationship with those countries who believe in the same ideals as we do. So, it was a very good discussion. Short but sweet.

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WION: Your take on coastal surveillance radar systems?

Mariya Ahmed Didi: The radar installation project has been going on for a while. In fact, infrastructure was built. It was stalled for a while during President Yameen's time. We will continue with the project. We believe it is absolutely crucial for our country that we have the radar built. If you see, we are 99.7 % water and rely on fisheries. That is the mainstay of our economy. And there are many ships poaching in our water. It acts as a deterrence to keep the ship away from our waters. There were pirates coming in our waters but since we start doing joint surveillance, they have moved away.

WION: How the helicopter gifted by Indian government helping you?

Mariya Ahmed Didi: It helps the ordinary Maldivian. Our country is geographically dispersed and if anyone is ill or there is an emergency situation and someone has to be airlifted to Male, it's helpful. We have search and rescue. We had people lost in the sea. People have to be found. It is very useful to ordinary Maldivians. And it is very popular.

Sidhant Sibal: Was China discussed?

Mariya Ahmed Didi: India respects our sovereignty. It does not take up matters or our relationship with other countries in our discussion. It was never discussed. But we have always assured India that, they always come to our rescue, whenever we needed a friend. In our emergencies. Like in 1988, when there was a terrorist attack in the Maldives..., even during the Tsunami and most recently during the water crisis. We have had India come as the first responder and India has been helpful.

Sidhant Sibal: Did India offered training of your forces?

Mariya Ahmed Didi: They have always offered training of the forces. Training is extensive and much needed and we have even asked India to help us make the military a more professional and they learn from you all how to have a professional military in a democratic society.