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Key Points

India and Maldives have deepened their strategic partnership through high-level defence discussions in Male. Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with top Maldivian officials to explore military cooperation and regional security. The talks highlighted the importance of capacity building and joint maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean Region. These engagements underscore the growing bilateral ties between the two nations.

Key Points: India Maldives Defence Ties Strengthen Maritime Security Talks

  • India and Maldives hold crucial defence cooperation dialogue
  • Bilateral talks focus on maritime security challenges
  • Defence Secretary meets key Maldivian leadership
  • Capacity building and military exercises discussed
3 min read

India and Maldives discuss military ties, regional security in Indian Ocean Region

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh discusses military cooperation, regional security with Maldives leadership in strategic Indian Ocean Region engagement

"Our support to Maldives' development remains steadfast. - S Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister"

Male, Oct 7

Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Khaleel in Male on Tuesday, holding discussions on military cooperation, capacity building, defence equipment promotion and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

"Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives Dr Abdulla Khaleel during his official visit to Maldives today. Wide-ranging discussions were held on military cooperation, capacity building, defence equipment promotion and regional security in the IOR-reaffirming defence as a key pillar of India-Maldives partnership," Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence posted on X.

The Defence Secretary, who is on a two-day official visit to the Maldives, also called on National Security Advisor (NSA) Ibrahim Latheef, with discussions focusing on capacity building on capability enhancement, capacity building and emerging challenges in Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Ministry of Defence stated on Tuesday.

In a statement on X, Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence stated, "As part of the official visit to Maldives, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called on National Security Advisor, Maldives Ibrahim Latheef, on 06 Oct 2025. Discussions focused on capacity building, capability enhancement and emerging maritime challenges in IOR."

On Monday, Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian side at the 6th edition of Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue held between India and Maldives in Male.

"Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian side for the 6th edition of Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue, between India and Maldives conducted on 06 Oct 2025 in Male. Maldives side was led by Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Forces. Discussions focused on capacity building, training, millitary exercises & evolving bilateral defence cooperation," Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence wrote in a post on X.

Singh also called on Maldives Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in Male. Following their meeting, Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence in a post on X wrote, "Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh called on H.E. Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon, Minister of Defence, Maldives, at Male, today. The two sides explored new avenues to further strengthen the existing bilateral defence cooperation between the two countries and reiterated the commitment to shared peace, stability and security in IOR."

Earlier in September, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met his Maldivian counterpart Abdulla Khalil on the sidelines of 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In a post on X, EAM Jaishankar wrote, "Good to meet FM Dr. Abdulla Khaleel of Maldives. Our support to Maldives' development remains steadfast."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Good to see our defense ties strengthening. The Indian Ocean is strategically important and we need to work together with friendly nations to ensure regional stability.
A
Aditya G
While I support cooperation, I hope we're not giving away too much military equipment without proper safeguards. Our national security should remain the top priority.
S
Sarah B
Capacity building and training initiatives are the way forward! This benefits both countries and creates lasting partnerships. Well done to our defense team! 👏
K
Karthik V
After the recent political changes in Maldives, it's reassuring to see defense cooperation continuing. The Indian Ocean security affects all of us in the region.
M
Michael C
The annual defense dialogue shows commitment from both sides. Hope this leads to more joint exercises and better coordination against maritime threats.

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