New Delhi, February 27 — India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, G. Balasubramanian, met Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi to discuss ways to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries.
According to a post by the Army’s Additional Directorate General of Public Information on X, the leaders reviewed the evolving regional security landscape and explored measures to enhance defence and diplomatic cooperation. The talks focused on strengthening ties across military, maritime and diplomatic channels as the Indian Ocean region faces shifting security dynamics.
Maldives Minister of State for Tourism and Environment Muaviyath Mohamed told ANI that the Maldives and India enjoy long-standing, close relations as neighbouring states. He said both governments are collaborating on sustainable development, market reforms and other shared priorities, working with Indian institutions and foreign missions in India to meet mutual goals. Mohamed highlighted ongoing cooperation on environmental and sustainability initiatives, including technology transfer, knowledge sharing and capacity-building support from India.
On the maritime front, on February 18 Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti held discussions with Maldives Coast Guard Commandant Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem to reinforce cooperation on regional maritime security. The Indian Navy said the meeting emphasized the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean Region and reaffirmed an enduring maritime partnership, including efforts to broaden professional exchanges and improve interoperability between forces.
The Maldives’ participation in MILAN 2026, including the deployment of the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee, was cited as a concrete sign of the country’s commitment to deeper maritime collaboration with India and other regional partners.
The sequence of high-level meetings underscores renewed emphasis on defence and diplomatic engagement as both countries seek practical cooperation on security, development and environmental challenges in the region. (ANI)
