Indian Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Bipin Rawat, on Wednesday, paid a courtesy call on President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Extending a warm welcome to the visiting Chief of Army and his delegation, President Solih discussed opportunities for further bilateral cooperation with General Rawat.
Moreover, the president highlighted various joint efforts by India and Maldives to address terrorism and maritime security concerns within the Indian Ocean Region.
General Rawat described Maldives as the heart of the Indian Ocean and thanked President Solih and the country's defence forces for the 'warm hospitality'.
The Indian Army Chief arrived on Sunday for a five-day official trip and has called on Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid, the Ministry of Defence, and senior officials of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
During their meeting, Minister Shahid highlighted the contributions made by the Indian Armed Forced to train and increase the capacity of Maldivian security forces.
The General was appointed at India's Army Chief on December 31, 2016, following the retirement of General Dalbir Singh Suhag who previously filled the post.
Diplomatic relations between Maldives and India improved significantly after President Solih assumed power in November, 2018. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited Maldives twice during President Solih's tenure.
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