Indian Defence Minister calls on FM Shahid, reviews ongoing defence cooperation

Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh has called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, as part of his ongoing three-day official visit to the Maldives.

During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday, the Indian Defence Minister and FM Shahid reviewed the ongoing defence cooperation between Maldives and India.

Welcoming Minister Singh to the Maldives, FM Shahid shed light on the long-standing relations between the two countries.

The meeting saw both ministers acknowledging and reviewing the important milestones achieved through robust defence cooperation between the two countries.

Shedding light on the prominent role played by the government of India in enhancing the capacities of defence and security forces of Maldives, FM Shahid expressed deep appreciation to India’s significant contributions in bolstering the capacities of Maldives’ security forces.

The meeting also saw discussions held on a wide range of issues regarding defence cooperation.

The two ministers went on to reaffirm mutual commitment to further intensify defence cooperation between the neighbors.

The Indian Defence Minister arrived on the three-day official visit to Maldives on Monday, upon the invitation of Minister of Defence and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi.

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 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 FM Shahid also 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 and his Maldivian counterpart 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.