India, Maldives to deepen joint counter-terror and de-radicalisation efforts

India and Maldives on Friday agreed to hold meeting of Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism and Dericalisation at an early date to strengn cooperation required to combat common threats arising from terrorism and ricalism. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid co-chaired 6th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) between India and Maldives, earlier today. next India-Maldives JCM will be held in Maldives in 2021.

"Both sides have agreed that Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism, Countering Violent Extremism and De-ricalisation will meet at an early date to strengn cooperation required to combat common threats arising from terrorism, ricalism, and drug trafficking in region," said a joint statement after meeting.

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statement stressed that both sides also reviewed ongoing construction of police training facility in du City of Maldives. India is building facility to train Maldivian police in various fields including forensics. 

'Neighbourhood First' and 'India First' working in tandem

statement also highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih have met on four occasions in past year "illustrating highest importance both India and Maldives attach to bilateral relationship." Both sides also ted that India's 'Neighbourhood First' policy and Maldives' 'India First' policy were "working in tandem to furr strengn a dynamic, multifaceted, and mutually beneficial partnership that rests on foundation of mutual trust, understanding, and sensitivity to each or's concerns."

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India building defence infrastructure in Maldives

India-Maldives defence cooperation includes key infrastructure projects such as construction of Ministry of Defence Building, Composite Training Centre (CTC) for MNDF and setting up of Coastal Surveillance Rar System (CSRS), as well as training programmes for MNDF officials in India, joint exercises, medical camps, etc. " Maldivian side ackwledged usefulness of CGS Kaamiyaab gifted by Government of India for enhancement of its maritime security," re statement.

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Strengning people-to-people contacts

joint statement stressed on  need to improve connectivity, strengning people-to-people contacts and said both sides agreed to work towards an early extension of National Kwledge Network (NKN) to Maldives to strengn acemic, research and commercial links between two countries. two sides also agreed to expedite work on construction of a state-of--art Cancer hospital in Hulhumale. " Maldivian side ackwledged important role played by Indian nurses in its health sector and means to streamline recruitment of nurses from India were discussed," statement said while ding that Indian side assured of its continued support to meet requirements for trained personnel at Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH).

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(With ANI inputs)