The dynamic security relationships in the Indian Ocean
Maldivian National Defence Forces and US Marines during Exercise Coconut Grove 2012. Pic by - Cpl. Isis M. Ramirez (USMC) By Asiri Fernando The United States and Maldives earlier this month (10 September) signed an agreement to deepen engagement and cooperation on defence and security. The agreement came one day after two US allies, India and Japan signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). Both agreements also came in the backdrop of US Secretary of Defence Dr. Mark T. Esper speaking to the President of Sri Lanka and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh on security, defence and COVID-19 related matters. The renewed emphasis on defence cooperation and improving security relationships in the region comes as Quadrilateral Security Dialog - "The Quad", composed of the US, Japan, India and Australia are deepening their security cooperation, according to the US think tank RAND. The US - Maldivian agreement termed "Framework for U.S. Department of Defense-