How are India and Maldives strengthening their defence ties against drug trafficking?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a significant meeting, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti and Major General Ibrahim Hilmy explored robust collaborations in maritime security and drug trafficking. This partnership underscores India's commitment to regional stability and defense cooperation with the Maldives, vital for addressing shared challenges.
Key Takeaways
- Strengthening Maritime Security: India and Maldives are enhancing collaborations to tackle maritime threats.
- Combatting Drug Trafficking: Joint efforts will focus on addressing the rising issue of drug trafficking in the region.
- Enhanced Training Engagements: Both navies will participate in more training exercises to improve operational capabilities.
- Ongoing Projects: Discussions included updates on several ongoing defense initiatives.
- Regional Partnerships: India reaffirms its commitment to being a key regional partner in defense.
Male, Dec 15 (NationPress) The Deputy Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, met the Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, in Male on Monday. Their discussions centered around tackling maritime security challenges, improving training collaborations, and enhancing efforts to combat drug trafficking.
During the meeting, both officials also explored various ongoing initiatives and strategies to bolster maritime information sharing between the Indian and Maldivian navies.
According to a post from the Indian Navy spokesperson on X, "VAdm Tarun Sobti, DCNS, met with Chief of Defence Force Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy during his inaugural visit to Male, Maldives. The discussions were aimed at addressing Maritime Security issues, advancing training engagements, and promoting cooperation against drug trafficking. This initial visit by the DCNS underscores the Indian Navy’s dedication to regional partnerships. The conversation also included updates on ongoing projects and methods to enhance maritime information sharing between both navies."
Major General Ibrahim Hilmy expressed that he and Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti had deliberated on reinforcing defence relations between the two countries.
"It was a privilege to meet Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, at the Integrated Headquarters of the Maldives National Defence Force, and to engage in discussions about maritime security collaboration and strengthening our close defence ties," Major General Ibrahim Hilmy shared on X.
On Sunday, Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti arrived in the Maldives to participate in the closing ceremony of the eighth edition of Exercise Ekatha.
"VAdm Tarun Sobti, UYSM, AVSM, VSM, DCNS visited the Maldives today to attend the closing ceremony of the 8th Edition of Ex Ekatha. The visit is aimed at further reinforcing the robust and growing maritime partnership between India and the Maldives," the Indian High Commission in the Maldives posted on X.
The eighth edition of the India-Maldives joint exercise, Exercise Ekatha, began in the Maldives in November. The Indian High Commission in Maldives noted that the Joint Exercise, conducted in the MNDF Central Area Command, will enhance cooperation to address joint maritime challenges.
Earlier in October, Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Khaleel in Male, discussing military cooperation, capacity building, promotion of defence equipment, and regional security in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
"Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maldives, Dr Abdulla Khaleel during his official visit to the Maldives today. Extensive discussions were held on military collaboration, capacity enhancement, promotion of defence equipment, and regional security in the IOR—reaffirming defence as a vital pillar of the India-Maldives partnership," the Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence shared on X.
During his two-day official visit to the Maldives, the Defence Secretary also met with National Security Advisor (NSA) Ibrahim Latheef, focusing on capacity building for capability enhancement and addressing emerging challenges in the Indian Ocean Region, the Indian Ministry of Defence reported on Tuesday.
The Directorate of Public Relations, Ministry of Defence stated on X, "As part of the official visit to the Maldives, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh met with National Security Advisor, Maldives, Ibrahim Latheef, on 06 Oct 2025. Discussions were centered on capacity building, capability enhancement, and emerging maritime challenges in the IOR."
Rajesh Kumar Singh led the Indian delegation at the 6th Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue held between India and Maldives in Male. He also met with Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon in Male.
Point of View
The strengthening of defence ties between India and the Maldives is essential for maintaining stability in the Indian Ocean region. As both nations face the growing threat of drug trafficking and maritime security challenges, their collaboration will not only enhance mutual security but also affirm India's role as a key partner in regional defense.
NationPress
16/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the focus of the discussions between India and Maldives?
The discussions primarily centered around maritime security challenges, enhancing training engagements, and cooperation against drug trafficking.
Who met with Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti during his visit?
Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti met with Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, the Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives.
What is Exercise Ekatha?
Exercise Ekatha is a joint military exercise between India and Maldives aimed at enhancing cooperation to address shared maritime challenges.
Why is the partnership between India and Maldives important?
The partnership is vital for addressing regional security challenges, especially in combating drug trafficking and ensuring maritime safety.
