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India and Maldives: Strengthening Naval Ties Amid Regional Security Challenges

Indian and Maldivian defence officials held high-level talks in Male this week. The discussions focused on strengthening maritime security cooperation between the two nations. A key area of collaboration is enhancing joint efforts to combat drug trafficking in the region. The visit also included participation in the closing ceremony of the joint naval Exercise Ekatha.

Key Points: India Maldives Discuss Defence Ties and Drug Trafficking Cooperation

  • Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti met Major General Ibrahim Hilmy during his maiden visit to Male
  • Talks centered on maritime security and joint training programs between navies
  • Both nations aim to enhance information sharing to combat drug trafficking
  • The meeting reaffirmed India's commitment to regional partners like the Maldives
3 min read

India and Maldives discuss strengthening defence ties, tackling drug trafficking

Indian and Maldivian defence chiefs meet in Male to enhance maritime security, training, and cooperation against drug trafficking in the Indian Ocean.

"Discussions focussed on addressing Maritime Security challenges, enhancing training engagements and cooperation against drug trafficking. - Indian Navy Spokesperson"

Male, Dec 15

Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti called on the Maldives Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy in Male on Monday, with discussions focused on addressing maritime security challenges, enhancing training engagements and cooperation against drug trafficking.

During the meeting, the two officials also discussed various ongoing projects and ways to enhance maritime information sharing between navies of India and Maldives.

"VAdm Tarun Sobti DCNS called on Chief of Defence Force Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, during his maiden visit at Male, Maldives. Discussions focussed on addressing Maritime Security challenges, enhancing training engagements and cooperation against drug trafficking. The maiden visit of DCNS reaffirms Indian Navy’s commitment towards regional partners. Progress of the ongoing projects and avenues to enhance maritime information sharing between both navies were also deliberated," the Indian Navy spokesperson posted on X after the meeting.

Major General Ibrahim Hilmy stated that he and Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti discussed strengthening defence ties between two nations.

"It was an honour to meet Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, at the Integrated Headquarters of Maldives National Defence Force and hold discussions on maritime security cooperation and strengthening of our close defence ties," Major General Ibrahim Hilmy posted on X.

On Sunday, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti arrived in Maldives to attend the closing ceremony of the eighth edition of Exercise Ekatha.

"VAdm Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, DCNS visited Maldives today to attend closing ceremony of 8th Edition of Ex Ekatha. The visit aims to further strengthen robust & growing maritime partnership between India and Maldives," Indian High Commission in Maldives posted on X.

The eighth edition of India-Maldives joint exercise Exercise Ekatha commenced in Maldives in November. According to the Indian High Commission in Maldives, the Joint Exercise being conducted in MNDF Central Area Command, will further strengthen cooperation to address shared maritime challenges.

Earlier in October, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh called on Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Khaleel in Male, 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 was 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 noted, "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."

Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian side at the 6th edition of Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue held between India and Maldives in Male. Singh also called on Maldives Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in Male.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Good to see continued engagement. Exercise Ekatha and these high-level visits show our commitment is consistent. Hope this also translates into more economic opportunities and people-to-people connections beyond just defence.
R
Rohit P
Maritime security is non-negotiable. With increasing Chinese presence in the region, it's imperative that India strengthens its partnerships. Training and capacity building for Maldives is a smart, long-term strategy. Jai Hind!
S
Sarah B
Cooperation against drug trafficking is a win for both nations. The narcotics trade fuels so many other crimes. Hopefully, the information sharing leads to concrete results and safer seas for trade and tourism.
V
Vikram M
While the intent is good, I hope our diplomacy is more nuanced. We must ensure our partnerships are based on mutual respect and not perceived as overwhelming. The neighbourhood first policy should feel like a partnership, not patronage.
K
Karthik V
Excellent news! The Indian Navy has always been a reliable partner in the IOR. Exercises like Ekatha build interoperability which is vital during humanitarian crises or security threats. Our navy makes us proud.

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