Male [Maldives], October 7: In a reaffirmation of their enduring strategic ties, India and the Maldives held high-level discussions on Monday aimed at strengthening cooperation in defence, maritime security, and regional stability. The meeting, held during the official visit of Indian Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh to the island nation, underscored defence as a key pillar of the India-Maldives partnership, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The Defence Secretary met Maldives Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Khaleel for wide-ranging discussions on military collaboration, capacity building, defence equipment promotion, and security cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Focus on regional security and cooperation

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), the Ministry of Defence stated,

“Defence Secretary 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 the India-Maldives partnership.”

The talks reflected both nations’ shared commitment to deepening defence and security ties amid evolving regional challenges. The two sides discussed expanding joint exercises, enhancing interoperability, and strengthening maritime domain awareness to ensure peace and stability in the Indian Ocean.

Builds on earlier high-level engagements

This meeting builds upon the outcomes of the High-Level Core Group (HLCG) discussions held on May 26, where both sides reviewed progress in implementing the India-Maldives Vision Document on Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership.

The HLCG framework serves as a strategic mechanism for both countries to align on political, defence, development, and maritime priorities. During that meeting, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace, prosperity, and shared security in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), in a statement, said the latest meeting focused on “implementing the Joint Vision by intensifying political exchanges, defence and security cooperation, development partnerships, trade, economy, health, and people-to-people linkages.”

Strengthening the strategic partnership

The discussions are part of India’s broader strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean under its “Neighbourhood First” policy and the Vision MAHASAGAR—an acronym for Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

In its statement, the MEA described the Maldives as India’s key maritime neighbour and a vital partner in ensuring regional stability. It noted that the visit “strengthened the Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership between the two countries.”

Continuing bilateral engagements

The meeting in Male follows a series of bilateral visits and strategic consultations aimed at reinforcing ties between the two nations. Earlier this year, Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel visited New Delhi from May 25–27 for talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

During that visit, both sides reviewed ongoing development projects, discussed maritime cooperation, and agreed to hold the 3rd High-Level Core Group meeting in Male on mutually convenient dates.

The MEA highlighted that these continuing engagements demonstrate the resilience and mutual respect that define the India-Maldives relationship, especially in areas such as defence collaboration, trade, and capacity building.

Regional significance

Experts say the sustained dialogue underscores India’s commitment to the security and stability of the Indian Ocean Region, particularly at a time when the area faces emerging maritime and geopolitical challenges. The Maldives, located strategically along major sea lanes, remains a crucial partner in India’s efforts to maintain a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific.

Defence cooperation between the two nations already includes joint training programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and infrastructure development projects such as coastal radar systems and hydrographic surveys.

Outlook

The recent talks are expected to pave the way for greater integration of defence mechanisms and enhanced maritime collaboration. Both sides reiterated their intent to deepen strategic trust and operational coordination under the existing Vision Document.

Officials confirmed that the upcoming 3rd HLCG meeting in Male will further detail the roadmap for implementing joint projects in the fields of security, connectivity, and economic cooperation.