CDS Gen Chauhan holds talks with his Maldivian counterpart Maj Gen Hilmy in New Delhi

Gen Anil Chauhan (3L) and Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy (3R) during their dialogue in New Delhi, on September 7, 2024. (Photo: X/@HQ_IDS_India)
 

New Delhi: The chief of defence staff, General Anil Chauhan, held talks with Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, the chief of defence force of the Maldives, on Saturday. Their meeting took place just a day after the fifth round of the India-Maldives Defence Dialogue, which focused on accelerating the implementation of ongoing defence projects, as India Sentinels reported on Friday.

The two military leaders explored ways to reset and strengthen military ties that have been strained in recent months following the election of its current president, Mohamed Muizzu, in November last year. The ties between the two countries hit an all-time low after Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China Maldivian leader, demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives shortly after assuming office. This demand led to the replacement of Indian military personnel with civilians, marking a significant shift in the defence dynamics between the two nations.

Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of Maldives National Defence Force, alongwith a delegation of Commandants of Marine Corps, Services Corps and Coast Guard called on General Anil Chauhan, #CDS_India.
Discussions held on furthering #DefenceCooperation between… pic.twitter.com/TTdG0sVynW

— HQ IDS (@HQ_IDS_India) September 7, 2024

The Maldives is a key player in the IOR and a critical component of India’s maritime security strategy, especially under its “Neighbourhood First” policy. Therefore, given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region (IOR), maritime security dominated the agenda. Both military leaders acknowledged the need for robust cooperation to ensure the safety and security of the region’s maritime routes.

According to sources privy to the details of the meeting, both sides highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in addressing shared security concerns, including counterterrorism and piracy in the region.

The talks also highlighted the potential for future collaboration in capacity-building initiatives and joint military training. Both sides expressed a commitment to furthering their defence partnership, with an understanding that a stable and secure IOR is in the best interest of both nations.