Maldives: Three ships of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have arrived in Male, the capital of Maldives as part of a long range training mission. These include INS Tir and INS Sujata of the Indian Navy and ICGS Sarathi of the Indian Coast Guard. On arrival in Male, the Indian ships were accorded a warm welcome by the Maldives National Defence Force. The visit is aimed at furthering the strong maritime partnership and regional cooperation between the two countries.
Ships of the First Training Squadron arrive in Male
The three ships are part of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy. The visit will also provide an opportunity to strengthen connectivity and cooperation in the maritime domain between the two countries along with training activities. During the expedition, the Indian Navy will have an opportunity to understand the defence and maritime security architecture of the Maldives.
Talks with Maldivian defence officials
During the visit, the senior officer of the First Training Squadron called on the Chief of the Maldives National Defence Force and the Commandant of the Maldives Coast Guard. The two sides discussed maintaining frequent contacts between the Indian Navy and the Maldives Defence Forces and enhancing multifaceted cooperation in the maritime domain.
Senior officials also met the High Commissioner of India
The senior officer of the First Training Squadron also called on the High Commissioner of India to Maldives, Shri G Balasubrahmanyam. Discussions pertained to maritime cooperation and training activities between the two countries.
Indian trainees arrive at Girifushi Training Centre
As part of the training drive, the IAF trainees also visited the Girefushi Training Centre, Maldives. Here he had the opportunity to understand the training institute of Maldives and the activities conducted there. During the visit, a number of activities will be undertaken to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the navies of the two navies.
Mutual harmony will increase through sports and social activities
According to the Indian Navy, these activities include visits to each other’s ships and sports competitions. Apart from this, social interaction and public relations activities will also be organized. These programmes are aimed at further strengthening mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation between the Armed Forces of the two countries.
Expedition in line with the vision of ‘Ocean’
The visit of the First Training Squadron of the Indian Navy to Maldives underscores the close synergy and growing cooperation in the maritime domain between the two countries. The expedition is in consonance with the vision of ‘OCEAN’ i.e. mutual and holistic advancement for security and development in the region. Under this, India has been pushing for furthering maritime security, training and cooperation with partner countries in the Indian Ocean Region.
The squadron has visited several countries in South East Asia.
In the past, Indian Coast Guard and Naval ships have visited international ports of Singapore, Indonesia and Thailand. During these visits, Indian Navy personnel and officers also undertook joint maritime exercises with the navies of the host countries. The first training squadron of the Indian Navy was on deployment to South East Asia. It included INS Tir, INS Shardul, INS Sujata and Coast Guard Ship ICGS Sarathi. (Inputs: IANS)
[DD News]