A high-level trilateral dialogue held after a gap of six years among India-Sri Lanka and the Maldives on Saturday agreed to further strengthen maritime co-operation. The fourth National Security Advisor-level trilateral talks were hosted by Sri Lanka. Indian NSA Ajit Doval represented India and held discussions with Sri Lankan Defence Secretary Major Gen (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne and Maldivian Defence Minister Mariya Didi.
The joint statement issued by Sri Lanka's Ministry of Defence, reads the three countries recognising the significance of the forum for promoting meaningful cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region on common issues pertaining to maritime security took stock of the current maritime security environment in the region. The officials discussed mutual cooperation in the areas of Maritime Domain Awareness, Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief, Joint Exercises, Capacity Building, Maritime Security and Threats, Marine Pollution, and Maritime Underwater Heritage, the statement said.
The representatives agreed to further strengthen cooperation in dealing with these challenges, to ensure peace and security in the region for common benefit, the joint statement said. Sri Lanka, India and the Maldives launched the Trilateral NSA level Meeting on Maritime Security Cooperation in 2011 and three meetings have been held so far. Previous meetings helps in improving close coordination in maritime security of the region. The MEA said in a statement, "The meeting will provide an opportunity for discussion on issues pertaining to cooperation in maritime security in the Indian Ocean region".
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