Defence Minister of India, Rajnath Singh has arrived in the Maldives on an official visit.

Minister Singh’s visit to the Maldives comes upon the official invitation of the Maldivian Minister of Defence and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi.

The Indian Defence Minister was welcomed upon arrival at the Velana International Airport (VIA), by his Maldivian counterpart, Minister Mariya, who was accompanied by the Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal.

During the three-day trip, conducted with an aim to bolster defence ties, bilateral talks will be held between the two governments in a bid to enhance defence cooperation and strengthen the long-standing defence and security partnership between the two countries.

Further, the Indian Defence Minister and Minister Mariya will attend a formal ceremony to hand over an Offshore Patrol Vessel, along with an assault landing craft and inaugurate the development project of the MNDF Coast Guard Harbor and repair facility at Sifavaru.

The Indian Defence Minister will be meeting with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih during the visit.

Further, meetings will also be held with Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid and Minister of Defence and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi.

The Indian Defence Minister’s visit represents a significant milestone in the relationship between the two countries as it brings a new level of dynamism and impetuous to the already existing defence ties.

This marks the first official visit by Minister Singh, since assuming office.

The visit is expected to further enhance the long-standing defence ties between the Maldives and India.