INS Sharda in the Maldives (Photo: Indian Navy)
New Delhi: The Indian Navy and the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) have begun a humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) exercise on May 5 at Maafilaafushi Atoll. Indian Navy’s INS Sharda visited the Maldives as part of India’s commitment towards regional cooperation.
The 7-day HADR exercise between two neighbouring countries aligns with India’s “MAHASAGAR” (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, emphasising collaborative efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.
“This deployment is a testament to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives,” Indian Navy PRO Commander Vivek Madhwal said.
This HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
It will focus on actions, like disaster response coordination, search and rescue operations, medical assistance, logistical support, joint drills, training sessions, and community engagement following a major natural disaster.
“Through such collaborative efforts, India and the Maldives continue strengthening their partnership and ensuring readiness to respond effectively to natural disasters and other humanitarian challenges.”
INS Kochi at Male on April 28
Indian Navy’s frontline guided-missile destroyer, INS Kochi escorted the Maldives National Defence Forces CGS Huravee, which underwent normal refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai on April 28. The refitting was underway since December 24.
Indian high commission to the Maldives, G Balasubramanian handed over MNDF CGS Huravee to Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, chief of defence force, MNDF, at a ceremony held at the MNDF Coast Guard Jetty.
“INS Kochi's visit highlights the strong maritime links between India and the Maldives and emphasises the Indian Navy’s commitment to security, peace and freedom of navigation in the region.”
As part of the ship’s visit, Capt Mahesh C Moudgil, Commanding Officer, INS Kochi, called on Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy and Brig Gen Mohammed Saleem, commandant, MNDF Coast Guard.
During the ship’s stay in harbour, bilateral meetings, cross-deck visits and sports fixtures have been planned between the Indian Navy and the MNDF.
INS Kochi was commissioned on September 30, 2015 and is part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, which is based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command.
