Vice Admiral Anil Kumar Chawla, Flag Officer, Commanding in Chief, Southern Naval Command of the Indian Navy, called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid today. The meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Minister Shahid was accompanied by the Foreign Secretary, Abdul Ghafoor Mohamed and Joint Secretary, India Division, Mariyam Midhfa Naeem at the meeting.
Vice Admiral Chawla was welcomed by Minister Shahid on his visit to the Maldives and discussed the historically strong bilateral relationship between the Maldives and India, especially in the areas of defense and security cooperation.
They discussed the importance of cooperation between countries to maintain peace and security in the Indian Ocean region. He also noted the important role played by the Indian Armed Forces in strengthening and developing the capabilities of the Maldives Defense Forces.
He also further reiterated that the Maldivian government is committed to strengthening maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.