India for boosting defence ties with Maldives: Antony

Defence minister AK Antony on Thursday said India was committed to strengthening defence relations with Maldives as he met with Maldivian minister of defence and national security Mohamed Nazim who is here on an official visit.

He also announced all MNDF personnel will henceforth be eligible for treatment in armed forces medical institutions in India for major surgeries and for treatment of major and serious illnesses, a ministry of defence spokesperson said.

Both the ministers also discussed continued conduct of bilateral exercises and decided the next joint exercise will be held in 2014.

Antony conveyed continued Indian support to the medical facilities and expertise for the Maldives National Defence Force.