The year 2024 marked a pivotal moment for the Maldives as the island nation undertook sweeping constitutional reforms and launched significant initiatives to bolster its sovereignty and national security.

Amendments to the Sixth Constitution were introduced to strengthen the Maldives' sovereignty and safeguard its territorial integrity. Under the revised Articles 3(a) and 3(b), three-fourths parliamentary approval and a public referendum with the backing of 143,332 citizens is required for any border modifications—up from the previous requirement of a two-thirds parliamentary majority without public consultation. Additionally, the amendments provide greater clarity on the Maldives' territorial boundaries by explicitly incorporating the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) into the Constitution.

Article 251(c) was amended to mandate unanimous parliamentary approval for foreign military use of Maldivian territory, with exceptions only for contractual military exercises. Previously, this approval was limited to the development of military establishments.

Additionally, a new clause in Article 262(b) now requires a public referendum to approve laws altering the nation’s territory or constitutional amendments.

These constitutional amendments, passed by Parliament on November 20, 2024, aim to enhance national security, safeguard sovereignty, and empower the public through greater involvement in critical national decisions.

On March 15, 2024, President Dr Mohamed Muizzu inaugurated the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Air Corps and introduced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into the service. This historic milestone marks the establishment of the nation’s first-ever Air Force, a strategic move aimed at safeguarding the country’s vast maritime territories.

The Air Corps enhanced the Maldives' defence capabilities, aiding in the prevention of illicit activities such as illegal fishing and smuggling, while bolstering the nation’s independence and sovereignty.

The deployment of UAVs plays a crucial role in surveillance and maritime security, reinforcing the Maldives' position as a secure and stable state in the region.

In response to growing concerns over undocumented migration, the Government launched Operation Kurangi. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Homeland Security and Technology, Maldives Immigration, and the Maldives Police Service, the operation sought to identify and regularise the status of undocumented immigrants.

To date, biometric data of over 18,000 foreign nationals have been collected, and the operation has been conducted across 194 islands, successfully concluding in 50. This initiative underscores the Maldives' commitment to strengthening its internal security.

The reforms and initiatives of 2024 reflect a transformative year for the Maldives. From enacting robust constitutional changes to launching critical security operations and expanding its defence capabilities, the country has made significant strides in fortifying its sovereignty and ensuring national security.