India and the Maldives have decided to scale up anti-piracy and marine counter-terrorism operations in the Indian Ocean, reported Indo Asia News Service Thursday.

With the Mumbai attacks as a backdrop, the two countries plan to intensify interaction between their coast guards, the Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed Thursday said in New Delhi.

"Joint exercises are now held every two years. It will be more frequent in the future," Nasheed said.

Prior to his speech to the media, Nasheed have met Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday and held a discussion on the Mumbai terror attacks and enhanced security cooperation in the Indian Ocean.

"There are pirate activities. We would like the Indian Ocean a peaceful one," Nasheed said.

This is Nasheed's first visit to India as the head of the state. He defeated Maumoon Abdul Gayoom in the country's first multi- party elections in October.

(Xinhua News Agency December 25, 2008)