Indian Defence Minister discusses regional security issues with Maldivian counterpart

Discussions have been held on mutually concerning regional and global security issues, between the governments of Maldives and India.

Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh paid a courtesy call on his Maldivian counterpart, Minister of Defence and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi on Monday, as part of his ongoing official visit to the Maldives upon her invitation.

The meeting saw both ministers engaging in discussions regarding a wide range of regional and global security issues of mutual concern.

They agreed to strengthen the cooperation in the defence and security sectors, further.

The two ministers also reaffirmed the significance of maintaining peace, stability and security in the region, and recognized the need to work together to address common security challenges.

Further, the significance of respecting international law and the rules-based international order was also a topic of discussion.

The ministers went on to express their mutual commitment to uphold these principles.

Welcoming the progress made in ongoing defence cooperation between Maldives and India including joint exercises and exchanges of visits by military officials, the two ministers shed light on the significance of sharing best practices and expertise in areas such as counterterrorism, disaster management, cybersecurity, and maritime security.

Monday’s meeting also saw Minister Singh and Minister Mariya agreeing to explore new avenues for cooperation, including in the areas of defence trade, capacity building and joint exercises.

Discussions also touched upon the need to promote people-to-people contacts and exchanges between the armed forces of both countries.

This marks the first official visit by Minister Singh, since assuming office.

He was welcomed upon arrival at the Velana International Airport (VIA), by his Maldivian counterpart, who was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal.

During the three-day trip, conducted with an aim to bolster defence ties, bilateral talks will be held between the two governments in a bid to enhance defence cooperation and strengthen the long-standing defence and security partnership between the two countries.

Further, the Indian Defence Minister and Minister Mariya attended a formal ceremony to hand over an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with an assault landing craft and inaugurate the development project of the MNDF Coast Guard Harbor and repair facility at Sifavaru.

The Indian Defence Minister also met with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the visit.

The Indian Defence Minister’s visit represents a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries as it brings a new level of dynamism and impetuous to the already existing defence ties.

The visit is expected to further enhance the long-standing defence ties between the Maldives and India.