As part of India's commitment to regional maritime security under the vision of 'Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth for all in the Region (MAHASAGAR)' and its 'Neighbourhood First’ policy, the Indian Navy completed a major refit of the Maldivian Coast Guard Ship MNDF Huravee at the Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

The ship set sail for Maldives on 21 Apr upon completing her maiden Normal Refit at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai.

"Over the last four months since her arrival at Mumbai on 13 Nov 24, major works concerning maintenance of all machinery, weapons, and sensors, along with a habitability upgrade, were undertaken," read a statement issued by the Indian government.

The ship was thereafter put through rigorous harbour and sea trials, operational checks of equipment, safety audits and Operational Sea Training before her departure.

The efforts put in by various Indian Navy agencies and dockyard teams across multiple departments were instrumental in achieving this extensive refit within the stipulated timeframe.

The successful refit of MNDF Huravee underscores the strong diplomatic and military cooperation between the two countries and reaffirms India’s unwavering commitment to being a reliable partner in the region.

The Make in India ship, handed over to MNDF in May 2023 as a replacement for an older platform, has played a crucial role in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Medical Evacuation operations across the Maldivian archipelago.

India-Maldives Relationship

Since 1988, defence and security have been a major area of cooperation between India and the Maldives.

India has adopted a very flexible and accommodating approach in meeting the Maldivian requirements of defence training and equipment. A comprehensive Action Plan for Defence was also signed in April 2016 to consolidate the defence partnership.

India provides the largest number of training opportunities for the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF), meeting around 70% of their defence training requirements. India has trained over 1500 MNDF trainees over the past 10 years.

"MNDF officers have been trained in various defence academies in India viz. NDA, IMA, OTA, INA, AFMC, etc. MNDF has also been participating in various joint activities with Indian Defence forces such as joint EEZ patrols, joint exercises, anti-narco ops, SAR, sea-rider prog, HADR exercises, sailing regatta, etc," read the Indian Embassy in Maldives website.

Indian Navy has also provided MNDF with air assets for air surveillance, MEDEVAC, SAR, Helo- borne vertical insertion capability.

Around 600 MEDVACs, SAR operations and medical teams transfers have been conducted since 2019.

Besides providing medical equipments, a team of Medical Specialists has been serving Maldivians at MNDF’s Senahiya Hospital, Male’ and are sharing expertise with MNDF doctors.

"Many MNDF doctors have / are being trained at AFMC, Pune," the website said.