India has further strengthened its maritime cooperation with the Maldives by handing over a consignment of operational spares for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Coast Guard Ship Huravee during a ceremony held in Malé on Monday.

The equipment was formally handed over by Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff of the Indian Navy, to Major General Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives.

The event took place onboard the Indian Navy ship INS Sharda, which is currently docked in Malé.

The handover coincided with Vice Admiral Sobti’s maiden visit to the Maldives.

In a statement shared on X, the Indian Navy noted that the visit reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships with regional allies and enhancing cooperation in maritime security.

The Indian Navy described the engagement as a reflection of India’s continued support for regional stability, aligned with its ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and the ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision.

India and the Maldives have a long history of defence cooperation, particularly in the maritime domain.

In addition to providing equipment to the Maldivian Coast Guard, the armed forces of both countries have conducted joint training exercises aimed at enhancing operational readiness.

According to the Maldives National Defence Force, recent joint exercises included intensive training in specialised areas such as Close Quarter Battle (CQB), breaching techniques, live firing, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure (VBSS), special heliborne operations, underwater demolition, and air diving using surface supply systems.