MNDF and Indian Army partner to combat drug trafficking

MNDF and the Indian Army have held discussions on cooperation in maritime security and combatting drug trafficking. 

These discussions were held between MNDF Chief of Defence Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and Indian Navy's Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff Vice Admiral Tarun Sobti during his visit to the Maldives to attend the closing ceremony of this year's 'Ekatha' military training, Indian newspapers have reported. 

The annual 'Ekatha' military exercise was initiated eight years ago. Vice Admiral Sobti arrived in Maldives yesterday to attend the closing ceremony of this year's 'Ekatha' edition and will be in Maldives until tomorrow. This is his first visit to Maldives, according to Indian media reports. 

According to media reports, the discussions centered on challenges in regional maritime security, increasing training opportunities, and cooperation in combatting drug trafficking. Avenues were also explored on strengthening exchange of intelligence on maritime security and defence projects. 

The ceremony was held on the Indian Navy ship INS Sharda which is currently in Maldives. During the ceremony, India gifted operational spares for MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee. 

Ekatha exercise covers technical and combat diving, boarding operations, firing drills, demolition and explosive handling, asymmetric warfare tactics and special helicopter-borne operation drills.