India-Maldives Strengthen Defence Ties through HADR Exercise

In a move showcasing India’s deepening regional defence ties and commitment to humanitarian collaboration, INS Sharda reached the Maldives’ Maafilaafushi Atoll on May 4, 2025, to participate in a joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise. This bilateral exercise with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) runs until May 10 and underscores India’s strategic vision for maritime cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

Why in News?

The joint HADR exercise between the Indian Navy and the MNDF is currently underway in the Maldives. It highlights operational synergy in humanitarian missions and reflects India’s strategic maritime vision, “MAHASAGAR” – Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

Aim and Objectives

• Enhance interoperability between Indian Navy and MNDF.
• Strengthen disaster response coordination and humanitarian readiness.
• Facilitate medical assistance, search and rescue (SAR) operations, and logistical support.

Exercise Highlights

• Location: Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives
• Dates: May 4–10, 2025

Key activities include,

• Joint drills and rescue simulations
• Medical aid provision and team mobilization
• Community engagement and capacity building

India-Maldives Defence Cooperation

• India was one of the first nations to recognise Maldives in 1965 and maintains close ethnic, linguistic, and cultural ties.
• Over 1,500 MNDF personnel have trained in Indian institutions in the past decade.
• India provides ~70% of MNDF’s defence training needs.

Shared activities include,

• Joint EEZ patrols, anti-narcotic operations
• Sailing regattas, SAR ops, and HADR missions
• Provision of air assets, surface platforms, and radar systems

MAHASAGAR Vision

A strategic maritime initiative to.

• Promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean.
• Foster regional cooperation and disaster resilience.
• Serve as a counterbalance to rising strategic concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

Healthcare and Infrastructure Support

• India supports the Senahiya Hospital in Male with medical specialists.

Infrastructure initiatives include,

• Composite Training Centre
• Coastal Radar System
• Construction of the new Ministry of Defence HQ
• “Ekatha” Harbour for MNDF

Recent Engagement

• MNDF Chief Major General Ibrahim Hilmy visited India in September 2024.
• Co-chaired the 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue with India’s Defence Secretary.