Minister of Defence Mariyam Ahmed Didi has revealed the initial agreement to install Indian coastal surveillance radar systems was made during the presidency of former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
Asked about her take on coastal surveillance radar systems by an Indian news outlet, Defence Minister Mariya said the radar installation project has been going on for a while, adding in fact, infrastructure was already built by the former administration.
The defence minister noted the current administration will continue with the project as the radar systems are absolutely crucial for Maldives. Highlighting Maldives is 99.7 % water and rely on fisheries, she said the radars act as a deterrence to keep pirate vessels away from the Maldivian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
Furthermore, Minister Mariya expressed installing radars in Maldives will not benefit India in any way.