The fifth Defence Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives took place in New Delhi today. The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was headed by Chief of Defence Force, General lbrahim Hilmy. Defence Ministry said in a statement that the meeting provided both sides with an opportunity to discuss the matters related to bilateral defence cooperation. This included expediting the implementation of various ongoing defence cooperation projects.

The two sides also deliberated on few other areas of common interest such as high-level exchanges and capability development projects. The aspects of participation in forthcoming bilateral military exercise were also discussed. Defence Ministry said the entire range of talks were productive which will advance shared interests of both the nations in near future and bring stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region.