The Maldivian Defense Ministry has referenced confidentiality agreements and national security issues in its decision not to reveal if military pacts signed with India by the former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration have been renewed.

This choice is made despite the previous commitments of the current administration to disclose such agreements, which they had formerly described as risks to national security and sovereignty.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had earlier reassured that "concerning" clauses in these agreements had been modified. Yet, neither he nor his administration has shared specific information or made the agreements public.

A citizen, utilizing their rights under the Right to Information Act, officially sought the release of these military agreements between India and Maldives, covering the timeline of implementation, signing and expiration dates, along with information regarding any extensions.

The Defense Ministry indicated in its reply that the defense agreements between India and the Maldives, which were in effect from 2018 to 2023 under the previous administration, included a "confidentiality clause" that specifically forbids their revelation. The Ministry also emphasized that dealings involving the renewal of defense agreements are confidential information shared between the two nations, necessitating the approval of both countries for public dissemination.