Strengthening an already close defence relationship, the Commanding Officer of Indian Naval Ship (INS) Kochi made a courtesy call on senior officials of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in Malé earlier this week. This visit is part of a broader initiative aimed at boosting bilateral security cooperation between the two Indian Ocean neighbours.
During the engagement, the Indian naval official met with top MNDF leadership, including Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force; Brigadier General Ahmed Ghiyas, Vice Chief of Defence Force; and Brigadier General Mohamed Saleem, Commandant of the Coast Guard. The Indian High Commission in Maldives shared details about the meeting on social media, emphasizing its significance in enhancing the enduring defence relationship between India and the Maldives.
On the same day, INS Kochi arrived in Malé, accompanying the Maldives Coast Guard Ship (CGS) Huravee back home after a successful refit in India. This act serves as a testament to the strong operational cooperation and mutual support that characterize India-Maldives defence ties, particularly in the realms of maritime security, capability enhancement, and regional coordination.
This visit builds upon a series of recent defence engagements, including the official visit of Maldives Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon to India in January. During his trip, he met with Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, where the two leaders focused on increasing military cooperation. Notably, India also provided essential defence equipment to the Maldives during this engagement, responding directly to the Maldivian government’s specific requests.
Both nations took this opportunity to review their comprehensive defence and security ties, reaffirming their commitment to a shared vision under the India-Maldives Comprehensive Economic and Maritime Security Partnership. Minister Maumoon expressed gratitude to India for its longstanding role as the Maldives’ “First Responder” in times of need, appreciating the continued support in infrastructure development and defence personnel training.
These engagements reflect the deepening strategic relationship between India and the Maldives, aiming to foster security, stability, and mutual growth in the Indian Ocean Region.
