India and the Maldives have reinforced their commitment to deepening maritime cooperation, as Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff (DCNS) of the Indian Navy, visited the island nation this week. During his visit, VAdm Sobti called on Maldives Foreign Affairs Minister Abdulla Khaleel and National Security Advisor Ibrahim Latheef, emphasizing collaborative efforts to ensure a safe and secure Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
The visit coincided with the closing ceremony of the 8th edition of Exercise Ekatha, held at the MNDF Central Command in Kadhdhoo. The month-long exercise focused on intensive training in diving and asymmetric warfare, involving India’s MARCOS and the Maldives National Defence Force Marine Corps. Both sides hailed the exercise as a key step in enhancing operational interoperability.
On Monday, Vice Admiral Sobti handed over operational spares for the MNDF Coast Guard Ship Huravee to Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives. The handover, conducted aboard INS Sharda in Male, highlighted India’s commitment under its MAHASAGAR initiative and the “Neighbourhood First” policy to strengthen regional maritime security.
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Discussions between the Indian and Maldivian naval leadership focused on addressing maritime security challenges, enhancing joint training engagements, curbing drug trafficking, and improving maritime information sharing. Both sides also reviewed ongoing defense projects and identified avenues for deeper collaboration.
Major General Ibrahim Hilmy expressed appreciation for India’s support, noting that the meetings with Vice Admiral Sobti reinforced close defense ties between the two nations. “It was an honour to discuss maritime security cooperation and strengthening of our close defense ties,” he said on social media.
Vice Admiral Sobti’s visit, which began on Sunday, underscores India’s proactive approach to regional security and partnership-building in the Indian Ocean. The joint Exercise Ekatha, which commenced in November, further cements the strategic maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives, aimed at tackling shared challenges and promoting stability in the region.
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