Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Khaleel in Male, reaffirming the importance of defence cooperation in the India-Maldives partnership. The discussions focused on military collaboration, capacity building, defence equipment promotion, and regional security in the Indian Ocean region.

During his two-day visit, Singh also met with Ibrahim Latheef, the Maldives’ National Security Advisor. Both sides discussed improving maritime security, increasing capabilities, and tackling new threats in the Indian Ocean. The sessions highlighted India and the Maldives’ developing strategic alignment in the pursuit of regional peace and stability.

Singh led the Indian team to the sixth Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue, held in Male. Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, the Chief of Defence Forces, represented the Maldives. The discussions included continuing training programs, cooperative military exercises, and growing defence cooperation structures aimed at increasing operational synergy.

He also met with Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon to discuss new areas of partnership and reaffirm their shared commitment to regional peace and security. The visit reflects New Delhi’s ongoing engagement with Male to deepen bilateral defence cooperation and promote a secure marine environment in the Indian Ocean region.