Maldives and Bangladesh hold talks to expand defence and military cooperation

Bangladesh and the Maldives have held consultations on ways to further strengthen the defence ties between the two countries and to expand military cooperation. According to The Business Standard, the consultations took place during a courtesy visit by Bangladesh's High Commissioner-designate to the Maldives, Dr. Nazmul Islam, to the Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force, Major General Ibrahim Hilmy. During the meeting, the two dignitaries exchanged views on strengthening ties between the defence institutions of the two countries and on seeking further opportunities in the military field. The newspaper reported that the meeting mainly highlighted the sharing of knowledge and technical experience between the defence institutions of both countries, along with increasing ties at the institutional level. The two sides also consulted on enhancing capability, providing humanitarian assistance, assisting in recovery from disaster damage, and cooperation on maritime security matters. The report said the discussions demonstrate the importance both countries give to maintaining regional peace and stability in the Indian Ocean, and that both sides expressed interest in advancing defence ties in areas beneficial to both parties. The Bangladesh High Commission said it will remain committed to broadening ties between institutions across various fields, including the defence and military sector, and to further strengthening relations between the two countries. Previously, on 14 September 2025, Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy paid a courtesy visit to the Principal Staff Officer of Bangladesh's Armed Forces Division, Lieutenant General S. M. Kamrul Hasan, at the Dhaka Cantonment, where they consulted on defence ties between the two countries.