Army chief Bipin Rawat embarks on Maldives visit

Chief of the Army Staff General Bipin Rawat on Sunday embarked on a five-day official visit to the Maldives. The visit is aimed at strengthening close bilateral defence ties between the two nations.

General Rawat will interact with the hierarchy of the Maldivian government and armed forces, according to a press release issued by the government on Sunday.

During his visit, the Army chief is scheduled to meet the President of Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Minister of Defence Mariya Ahmed Didi, Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid, and chief of National Defense Forces Major General Abdulla Shamaal.

The press release said that the Maldives has always prime importance for India due to its centrality to Indian Ocean region.

Speaking about their enhanced cooperation, the press release said India extends full support to enhance capacity and capability development of Maldives army as an equal partner.

During the Army chief's visit, talks on exchanging military vehicles and military equipment to further cement the military relationship will take place.