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Recent media reports on about India-Maldives defence and security co-operation

The High Commission of India notes with concern recent media reports about India-Maldives defence and security co-operation and other issues containing blatantly false information. The following clarification is issued in light of the incorrect claims made in the articles: 

1.    The defence co-operation between India and Maldives is built on mutual trust and understanding. The bilateral engagement in defence and security has grown rapidly after the events of November 03, 1988, during which India swiftly assisted the Maldives in averting the coup attempt. In the last few years, the robust defence cooperation between the countries has widened to include joint EEZ surveillance, search and rescue operations, training and capacity building of MNDF and Maldives Coast Guard officers. 

2.    The Government of India responded to request of the Government of Maldives and provided the first Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) renamed “Kurangi”. It was commissioned by MNDF in April 2010 and positioned in Gan. The Indian crew members, who provide technical support, are under the operational control of MNDF and can fly Kurangi only on authorisation by MNDF. Hence, the accusations made in media reports that the crew of Kurangi flew across some areas of Maldives without orders are totally baseless and completely false.

3.    The second ALH was given in December 2013 again on the request of GoM to further strengthen coastal and EEZ surveillance. The helicopter has been painted in Maldivian colours and is ready for deployment once the required hangar and other infrastructure are established by MNDF. 

4.    High commission of India also refutes the claims about India’s refusal to train MNDF soldiers operating the helicopter. It has been India’s constant endeavour to ensure that Maldives is self-sufficient in operating these assets gifted by India and towards this end several training programs are offered for Maldivian defence personnel in India. One Flight Engineer and one technician from MNDF have completed the ALH technical courses in November 2014 with an exceptional grading of above 80%. Similarly, two slots for ALH Pilot training have also been offered to MNDF in 2015. In the preceding year, around 150 MNDF officers were trained in various defence institutions and colleges in India. Capacity building has been a key area of co-operation in India-Maldives bilateral relationship.

5.    The time-tested friendship between India and Maldives is an all-weather relationship. High Commission of India reiterates India’s unwavering commitment towards peace, security and development of the Maldives and rejects all baseless claims made in these media reports. 

Male
February 12, 2015

 

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