India and the Maldives conducted a new round of defence dialogue on Friday, focusing on the Indian Ocean situation and expediting the implementation of ongoing defence projects. The dialogue in Delhi occurred nearly a month after External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives, which was the first high-level trip from New Delhi after the island nation’s pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu took office.
“The entire range of talks were productive which will advance shared interests of both the nations in near future and bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region,” the Defence Ministry said.
Strengthening the defence ties, India and Maldives held 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue in New Delhi today. Discussions were on expediting ongoing projects, high-level exchanges, capability development & bilateral military exercises.
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— Ministry of Defence, Government of India (@SpokespersonMoD) September 6, 2024
Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was headed by Chief of Defence Force, Maldives National Defence Force General lbrahim Hilmy in the fifth-round of defence dialogue.
The two sides also deliberated on few other areas of common interest such as high-level exchanges and capability development projects. India is implementing various projects in the Maldives.
The aspects of participation in forthcoming bilateral military exercise were also discussed.
The Maldives is one of India’s key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean region. Under the previous government in Male, bilateral ties, including defence and security, witnessed an upward movement.
Team BharatShakti
