Maldives, India to hold joint exercises this year

India and Maldives have agreed to hold the next round of joint exercise this year as part of measures to increase interactions between the two armed forces.

According to India’s Economic Times, the agreement was made during Maldives Chief of Defence Force Major General Ahmed Shiyam’s meeting with India’s military leadership, including Defence Minister A K Antony and the armed forces chiefs. The Chief of Defence Force is on four day visit to the country.

During the meetings, the two sides discussed ways to enhance defence ties including the steps needed for strengthening Maldivian armed forces, officials said.

Over a recent visit by Maldivian Defence Minister Colonel (Rtd) Mohamed Nazim to India and meetings with his Indian counterpart, New Delhi had stated that it was committed to strengthening the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Maldives and India have been conducting joint exercises since former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom’s administration.