The 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue between India and the Maldives took place in New Delhi on Friday when the participating leaders  deliberated on few other areas of common interest such as high-level exchanges and capability development projects.

The Indian delegation was led by Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane, while the Maldivian delegation was headed by Chief of Defence Force, Maldives National Defence Force General lbrahim Hilmy.

The meeting provided both sides with an opportunity to discuss the matters related to bilateral defence cooperation.

"This, inter alia, included expediting the implementation of various ongoing defence cooperation projects," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

The aspects of participation in forthcoming bilateral military exercise were also discussed.

"The entire range of talks were productive which will advance shared interests of both the nations in near future and bring stability & prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region," the statement said.