India & Maldives hold talks to further strengthen bilateral defence & security ties

The Indian Defence Minsiter Shri Rajnath Singh arrived in Maldives on May 01, 2023, on a 3-day official visit at the invitation of his Maldivian counterpart Ms Mariya Ahmed Didi. The visit is expected to further boost the bilateral defence & security ties between both the countries.

Both the sides held bilateral delegation-level talks yesterday. Besides, issues of mutual defence cooperation and new initiatives to further strengthen defence and security partnership were discussed in the meeting. India will be handing over a Fast patrol vessel along with an assault landing craft to Maldivian Coast Guard in a formal ceremony on May 02, 2023.

The Defence Minister also held discussions with the Foreign Minister of Maldives Mr Abdulla Shahid. Further, issues of ongoing bilateral defence and infrastructural development cooperation in Maldives by India were discussed.