UK and Maldives reaffirm commitment to Indian Ocean security
At their third Strategic Dialogue, held in London on 17 September 2026, senior officials discussed defence cooperation, maritime security, counterterrorism and protective security.
The UK and the Maldives have reaffirmed their shared commitment to security, peace and stability in the Indian Ocean, the two governments have said in a joint communiqué.
Senior officials met in London on 17 September for the third Strategic Dialogue between the two countries, building on earlier rounds held in 2023 and 2025.
The talks focused on defence cooperation, maritime security, counterterrorism and protective security, and the UK reaffirmed its support for training and technical assistance in policing, defence and maritime security.
The two sides also reviewed consular cooperation, welcoming close collaboration between their authorities in supporting citizens and addressing shared consular priorities.
The UK and Maldives exchanged views on governance, criminal justice reform, judicial independence and human rights, and the UK reiterated its support for the Maldives’ efforts to “consolidate democratic governance, uphold human rights and strengthen the rule of law”.
The Maldives welcomed the UK’s suspension of tariffs on tuna imports, which runs from 20 May 2026 until 31 December 2028.
The two sides reviewed progress in economic and trade cooperation since the previous dialogue, and discussed opportunities to expand cooperation in fisheries, tourism, renewable energy and financial services.
The UK and Maldives reaffirmed the importance of education as a pillar of the relationship, welcoming the role of Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarships in strengthening people-to-people ties.
More than 200,000 visitors from the UK travelled to the Maldives in 2025, and the two sides recognised the contribution of tourism and cultural exchange to the relationship.
The two governments also discussed cooperation on climate change and marine conservation, building on the Ocean Country Partnership Programme, and opportunities to work together ahead of the COP31 climate summit, recognising the Maldives’ leadership role among Small Island Developing States.
The dialogue was co-chaired by Laure Beaufils, director for South Asia and Afghanistan at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, and Dr Hala Hameed, secretary at the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both governments committed to continuing annual Strategic Dialogues.
