Chief of Defence Force, Major General Abdulla Shamaal is in India on an official visit.

The Maldivian Chief of Defence Force departed from Velana International Airport (VIA) on Wedneday.

The six-day visit comes upon the invitation of India’s Chief of Army Staff, General Manoj Pande, revealed the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

As part of the visit, Major General Shamaal laid a wreath while attending the National War Memorial on Thursday.

Major General Shamaal was honored with a Guard of Honor by Indian armed forces at the National War Memorial.

As part of the visit, Major General Shamaal had also paid courtesy calls on a number of senior officials including Pande, Defense Secretary Ajay Kumar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Chief of Navy Staff Admiral R. Hari Kumar, and Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.

The meetings saw discussions held regarding security, trainings and other important matters.

As such, Major General Shamaal extended gratitude to the neighboring country’s armed forces for the continuous assistance in providing training and resources to the Maldives National Defence Force officers and in enhancing the institution’s capacity.

Discussions also revolved around further avenues of assistance from the Indian armed forces, in enhancing cooperation concerning regional security.

Officials from both governments also discussed ways the neighboring country’s army can extend assistance for the progress of MNDF.

As part of the visit, Major General Shamaal also paid a visit to the Indian Institute of Military Law on Thursday, where discussions touched down on avenues for further progress.