Minister of Defence Mariyam Ahmed Didi has met with her Indian counterpart Nirmala Sitharaman.
Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi was accorded a ceremonial welcome in New Delhi on as she began her first official visit outside her country. The defence minister was received by her Indian counterpart, Nirmala Sitharaman, on her arrival at the South Block, also known as The Ministry of External Affairs. She inspected the guard of honour in the forecourts of the South Block.
Later in the day, Minister Mariya held talks with Indian counterpart Sitharaman aimed to boost the existing ties between the two countries. During the meeting, discussions were held on strengthening joint surveillance on Maldivian economic zone and the importance of established military relations.
The visit comes amid Indian government's plans to restart conversation with Maldives on renewing the Coastal Surveillance Radar Systems (CSRS) project, as part of the defence cooperation dialogue made by the former President of Maldives Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom.
Maldives and India have had fluctuating relations in terms of diplomatic and defence ties with mostly on the positive side. India has helped Maldives in improving its surveillance capabilities and has permanently based its two helicopters there and other technological aides in defence.
Defence minister and delegation are set to return to Maldives on January 30.