Description
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Context
- Continuing India’s capacity building assistance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), Defence Minister handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) and a Landing Craft Assault ship to the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF). In Sri Lanka, Indian Air Force (IAF) chief donated AN-32 transport aircraft propellers.
Background of Security & Defence Cooperation
- Since 1988, defence and security has been a major area of cooperation between India and Maldives.
- India has adopted a very flexible and accommodating approach in meeting Maldivian requirements of defence training and equipment.
- A comprehensive Action Plan for Defence was also signed in April 2016 to consolidate defence partnership.
Capacity Building/Training
- India provides the largest number of training opportunities for Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defence training requirements.
- India has trained over 1400 MNDF trainees over the past 10 years.
- MNDF has also been participating in various mil-to-mil activities such as joint EEZ patrols, anti-narcotic ops, SAR, sea-rider programme, HADR exercises, adventure camps, sailing regatta, etc.
- India has also offered to depute Mobile Training Teams (MTT) based on MNDF requirements and to train MNDF personnel for UN peace-keeping operation at CUNPK.
- Indian defence cooperation also extends to the areas of Joint Exercises, Maritime Domain Awareness, gifting of hardware, infrastructure development, etc.
Institutional Mechanisms
- Annual Defence Cooperation Dialogue at level of Defence Secretary was initiated in 016.
- Annual Joint Mil-to-Mil Staff Talks were started in 2016.
Disaster Management
- MNDF regularly participates in Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief, Search & Rescue (SAR), Pollution Control, other exercises organised by India.
- India is also undertaking customised trainings for MNDF Fire and Rescue Service in India.
MUST READ ARTICLE:
India Maldives Relations: https://www.iasgyan.in/rstv/india-maldives
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PRACTICE QUESTION
Q) Defence and security has been a major area of cooperation between India and Maldives. Comment. (150 words)
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https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_delhi/issues/34814/OPS/GQ1B6CVSO.1+GI7B6DSQF.1.html
