In a statement, the high commission said that during his two-day official visit, Singh would meet President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom and defence minister Mohamed Nazim. Official discussions would also be held with his Maldivian counterpart, Major General Ahmed Shiyam, the high commission said. “India and Maldives enjoy robust cooperation in the field of defence and the upcoming visit will further enhance bilateral defence cooperation,” the statement read. According to the high commission, India’s commitment to Maldives defence has been steadfast and growing with each passing year. Both countries have inter-linked mutual security interests which need to be protected for the safety and security of the South Asian region and the Indian Ocean, the high commission added. The last Indian army chief to visit the Maldives was General Deepak Kapoor in February 2010. Maldives and India have enjoyed close defence cooperation over the years, with India gifting the Maldives with two helicopters and a landing craft, and proving many training opportunities for Maldivian soldiers.