Article Posted on : - Aug 20, 2009

A file photo of A K Antony.

NEW DELHI (BNS): Defence Minister A K Antony will lead a high-level delegation to Maldives on a three-day visit to strengthen bilateral defence ties with the island nation.

The visit, starting on Friday, will include Defence Secretary Shri Pradeep Kumar, DG Armed Forces Medical Services Lt Gen NK Parmar, DG Coast Guard Vice Admiral Anil Chopra and Deputy Chief of Navy Staff Vice Admiral DK Joshi, a statement issued by the Defence Ministry here said.

Antony will meet Maldives President Mohammed Nasheed and also hold talks with other government and Maldives National Defence Force officials.

Bilateral discussions with his counterpart Ameen Faisal on expanding defence ties between the two countries will be a key feature of the visit, the ministry said.

Besides, Antony will also attend the closing session of the India- Maldives Friendship function.