India announces new measures to boost Maldivian defence

India on Sunday announced a slew of measures to boost Maldivian defence capabilities covering aerial and naval surveillance to counter the common threat posed by terrorism and piracy, amid China's efforts to gain foothold in the region.

Defence Minister AK Antony assured Maldives that it can count on India as a sincere friend while his Maldivian counterpart stressed that change of governments will not impact the traditional friendship between the two countries.

Antony, who is in Maldives on a three-day visit, inaugurated 'Senahiya', a military hospital built with Indian assistance, and also held a high-level meeting with his Maldivian counterpart Colonel (Retd) Mohamed Nazim today.

During the meeting it was conveyed that India has decided to extend the deployment of its ALH Dhruv Helicopter here by two more years and gave assurance for trying to fulfill the requirement for an additional chopper for medical evacuations purposes.

For enhancing and streamlining dialogue process in area of military cooperation, India has also decided to station a Defence Attache here, besides supporting the construction of Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) building.

"Defence Minister AK Antony conveyed the government's decision to position the ALH Dhruv helicopter, handed over by India in 2010, for a further period of two years beyond April 2012. He also informed that the chopper has been upgraded with night flying capabilities during its recent overhaul," a Defence Ministry Spokesperson said.

Antony's visit comes at a time when China is increasing its influence in the Maldives, which is of strategic importance to India.

"India has always considered its relation with Maldives as very special," Antony said while inaugurating the military hospital, described by Nazim as the Indian minister's 'dream project'.

"India is proud of our partnership and engagement with Maldives and deeply value the friendship of the people of Maldives. Maldives can always count on India as a sincere friend," Antony said.

In a rare honour, the defence minister was also accorded the Guard of Honour, that is reserved for the head of states.

For training defence personnel of Maldivian Air Wing, a team of qualified Flying Instructors will be deputed in the Maldives and the helicopter pilots will be provided the simulator training at the Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) facility in Bangalore, the spokesperson said.

During the meeting the two sides decided to maintain close cooperation in unitedly fighting against challenges of terrorists and non-state actors, the spokesperson added.

"The Maldives will stand side-by-side with India to ensure maritime security in Indian Ocean and maintain stability in the region; and above all, the threats that our two countries face, particularly from terrorist groups and other non-state actors are eliminated," Col Nazim said.

"Governments will change both in the Maldives and India. Yet, the enduring friendship that exists between the two countries will only improve and expand," he said.

The two sides appreciated efforts made by Indian Naval ships and aircraft in providing surveillance of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), on a monthly basis, in view of the incidents of piracy occurring close to Maldives and Lakshadweep and Minicoy islands in India.

Apart from mutually agreed schedule, India is providing assistance for EEZ surveillance on specific requests made by Maldivian defence forces.

On Male's request for help in smooth functioning and operation of its naval fleet and training of personnel, India has decided to position an Indian Navy Afloat Support Team (INAST) there for a period of one year.