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Asim Munir and Mohamed Muizzu discussed expanding defence cooperation during talks in Islamabad. The outreach carries strategic implications for India and wider Indian Ocean security.
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Islamabad,Oct 22, 2026 11:06 IST
Pakistan's army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu have discussed strengthening defence cooperation and institutional ties as their countries seek to expand bilateral engagement, the Press Trust of India reported.
The talks took place during Muizzu's three-day visit to Pakistan, the first by a Maldivian president in 11 years. The visit marks renewed high-level engagement between the two countries.
Munir, who also serves as Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, met Muizzu in Islamabad on Wednesday, according to a statement issued by the Pakistan Army. The meeting covered "matters of mutual interest, the prevailing regional security environment and avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation", the statement said.
"Both sides underscored the importance of strengthening defence cooperation, institutional linkages and professional exchanges," it added.
Munir highlighted the longstanding and cordial ties between Pakistan and the Maldives. He also reaffirmed Islamabad's commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation and promoting regional peace, stability and security through constructive engagement.
The meeting is significant for India because of the Maldives' strategic location in the Indian Ocean and its importance to New Delhi's maritime security interests. India has traditionally been a key security and development partner of the island nation, providing assistance in maritime surveillance, defence training and capacity-building.
The Maldives occupies a special place in India's Neighbourhood First foreign policy, which seeks to promote stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region. India and the Maldives also play key roles in maintaining safety and security in the region and contribute to India's Security and Growth for All in the Region, or SAGAR, vision.
Pakistan's outreach to Male comes as India seeks to strengthen its engagement with Indian Ocean neighbours and safeguard its strategic interests in the region.
Pakistan and the Maldives also signed 20 memorandums of understanding on Wednesday to strengthen cooperation in several fields, including defence, maritime security and artificial intelligence, PTI reported. The agreements and the Munir-Muizzu meeting reflected efforts by the two countries to broaden bilateral engagement.
With PTI Inputs
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