India and Maldives agreed on a number of measures to step up their cooperation in defence and security related issues.

The two sides on Sunday also agreed to work closely towards stability in the region and ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean. Marking a new high in the defence cooperation between the two countries, New Delhi has decided to station a Defence Attache at Male.

At a high level meeting between the Defence Minister Mr. AK Antony and his Maldivian counterpart, Col (Retd) Mohamed Nazim in Male, the two sides decided to ‘maintain close cooperation in unitedly fighting against challenges of terrorists and non- state actors.

Mr. Antony also conveyed India’s support for the construction of the Maldivian National Defence Force Building.

Mr Antony said that a team of Qualified Flying Instructors will now be deputed to train Maldivian Air Wing personnel. In addition, India will also provide simulator training to Maldivian helicopter pilots at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bangalore.