The Maldives and India held the first meeting of their High-Level Core Group on Wednesday to advance economic and security cooperation under a framework agreed last year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Officials from both countries met in Malé to review progress on areas outlined in A Vision for Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership, which was set following President Mohamed Muizzu’s talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October last year.

Discussions covered a range of issues, including development cooperation, trade, digital financing, health, people-to-people ties, and defence and maritime security, the ministry said in a statement.

The two sides will hold the next meeting in India in April.