Male [Maldives], October 7 (ANI): Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh held discussions with Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel during his official visit to the island nation, underscoring the commitment of both countries to strengthen defence cooperation and regional security, the Ministry of Defence announced on X.
The meeting covered wide-ranging topics, including military cooperation, capacity building, defence equipment promotion, and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), reaffirming defence as a key pillar of the India-Maldives partnership. The talks built on the outcomes of the High-Level Core Group (HLCG) meeting held on May 26, where progress on the India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership was reviewed.
The discussions emphasised advancing cooperation in defence, maritime security, and capacity building under the broader framework of the India-Maldives strategic partnership. Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel led his delegation in the talks, which also focused on implementing the Joint Vision by intensifying political exchanges, defence cooperation, development partnerships, trade, economy, health, and people-to-people linkages, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated.
During his visit to India earlier, Khaleel held a bilateral meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to discuss matters of mutual interest. The two sides agreed to hold the 3rd HLCG meeting in Male at a mutually convenient date.
The MEA reiterated that the Maldives is India’s “key maritime neighbour” and a vital partner in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and Vision MAHASAGAR — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. The Defence Secretary’s visit is expected to further strengthen the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two nations.
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