India and Maldives Conduct Joint Humanitarian and Disaster Relief Exercise
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | Joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise between Indian Navy (INS Sharda) and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). |
| Location | Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives. |
| Dates | May 4-10, 2025. |
| Key Activities | - Joint drills & rescue simulations. <br> - Medical aid & team mobilization. <br> - Community engagement & capacity building. |
| Objective | - Enhance interoperability between Indian Navy & MNDF. <br> - Strengthen disaster response coordination. |
| Strategic Vision | Part of India's MAHASAGAR initiative: Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions. |
| India-Maldives Ties | - Defence training: ~70% of MNDF personnel trained in India (1,500+ in last decade). <br> - Joint operations: EEZ patrols, anti-narcotics, SAR, HADR. |
| Infrastructure Support | - Senahiya Hospital (Male). <br> - Coastal Radar System, Ekatha Harbour, MNDF HQ construction. |
| Recent Engagement | MNDF Chief Major General Ibrahim Hilmy visited India (Sept 2024) for 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue. |