India, Maldives seek closer military cooperation

Indias Defence Minister AK Antony on Thursday said India remains committed to strengthen bilateral defence relations with Maldives, the Indian ministry of defense stated in a press statement. Meeting the Maldivian Minister of Defence and National Security H.E. Mohamed Nazim here today, Antony conveyed continued support to the strengthening of medical facilities and expertise for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the statement added. Both Ministers also discussed and agreed to pursue measures to enhance interactions between the Armed Forces of both countries, the statement said, adding, the continued conduct of bilateral exercise was discussed and it was agreed that the next joint exercise between both sides will be held in 2014. During the one-hour meeting, both Defence Ministers discussed a number of issues relating to regional security and matters pertaining to bilateral defence cooperation between both countries, the statement noted. The Maldivian Defence Minister was accompanied by the Maldivian High Commissioner to India and senior officers of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF). The Indian side was represented by Defence Secretary, Vice Chief of Naval Staff and senior officers of the Armed Forces, Ministry of Defence and Ministry of External Affairs were present at the meeting.