Male: A visiting National Defence College (NDC) delegation from India held discussions with Maldives’ Minister of Defence and National Service, Hassan Rasheed, on bilateral defence cooperation and regional security, as part of a Strategic Neighbourhood Study Tour.

Led by Rear Admiral Sandeep Singh Sandhu, the delegation arrived in Male on Sunday to foster mutual understanding of shared strategic and regional security perspectives. It also called on H.E. G Balasubramanian, India’s High Commissioner to the Maldives, and held consultations with the Vice Chief of Defence Force, Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiya, Maldives National Defence Force leadership and key national security entities.

The delegation also participated in an interactive session at the Maldivian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where discussions focused on advancing mutual strategic interests and consolidating the enduring friendship between the two countries.

Meanwhile, Maldives Foreign Minister Iruthisham Adam accompanied President Mohammed Muizzu to review progress on the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project. Adam expressed appreciation to External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar and the Indian Government for their continued commitment to the Maldives’ socio-economic development.

The minister described the Greater Male’ Connectivity Project as a flagship of Maldives–India cooperation, highlighting its role in expanding connectivity and creating new opportunities for Maldivians.