India and Maldives have further scope for improvement in bilateral ties. Wrapping up his two day visit to Maldives during Defence Minister A K Antony visit to the Island Nation. He announced a slew of measures to boost defence capabilities of this Indian ocean archipelago. Defence Minister today said , bilateral defence relationship was growing as the two nations being close neighbours, share common security interests among others. Antony said, India would continue to work closely with Maldives to strengthen the bilateral relationship.

India has also decided to station a Defence Attache in Male besides training Maldivian helicopter pilots and defence personnel.

Antony, had yesterday said the two countries can work together to tackle challenges like terrorism, piracy and drug trafficking to maintain peace and stability. He inaugurated 'Senahiya', a military hospital built with Indian assistance, and also met his Maldivian counterpart Colonel (Retd) Mohamed Nazim.

The Defence Minister was accompanied by a high level delegation comprising of Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma, Western Naval Commander Vice Admiral Shekhar Sinha, Director General Military Training Lt Gen S P Tanwar and DG AFMS Air Marshal DP Joshi.