The Government of India has granted equipment to enhance the capacity of the Maldives in conducting hydrographic surveys.
The equipment was handed over to Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) by Chief of Naval Staff of India Admiral R. Hari Kumar, who is currently on an official visit to the Maldives. The equipment was granted as part of the India-Maldives Defence Cooperation Exchange.
In addition to the hydrographic survey equipment, India also handed over the navigational chart produced as part of the joint hydrographic survey conducted by MNDF and the Indian Navy in the northern atolls of the Maldives in 2021. Furthermore, the royalties to be paid to the Maldives from the navigational charts sold by India were also handed over during this ceremony.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamaal thanked the Indian government for the donation of survey equipment. He highlighted the long-standing brotherly relations between the two countries that are based on mutual respect. He also highlighted the importance of the hydrographic partnership between the Maldives and India for commercial and trade development of both countries.
MNDF said the jointly-surveyed charts are essential for the prevention of maritime accidents and to speed up emergency responses to such accidents. India has been providing hydrographic assistance to the Maldives under a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the two countries.