India and the Maldives reaffirmed their strong defence partnership during Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh’s two-day visit to Male, where he met key Maldivian leaders to discuss security cooperation and regional stability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

During his meetings with Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel and National Security Advisor Ibrahim Latheef, Singh discussed military cooperation, capacity building, and emerging maritime challenges. Both sides reiterated their shared commitment to peace, stability, and security in the IOR, highlighting defence as a key pillar of India–Maldives relations.

On Monday, Singh led the Indian delegation at the 6th Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue with Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Forces of Maldives. Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in areas such as training, joint military exercises, and defence technology.

Singh also called on Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon to explore new avenues for strengthening bilateral defence ties. The two sides underscored the importance of collaboration in capacity building and maritime domain awareness, given the growing strategic importance of the Indian Ocean.

India has been a consistent partner in the Maldives’ defence and security development through infrastructure projects, equipment supply, and professional training of Maldivian personnel. The visit further strengthens India’s vision of “Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR)” and underscores its role as a reliable partner in ensuring regional maritime stability.

The talks also followed last month’s meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel in New York, where both leaders reaffirmed India’s continued support for Maldives’ development and security priorities.