Maldives-India defense cooperation is based on equality, mutual trust: Mariya

The defense cooperation partnership Maldives has with India is based on equality, mutual trust and benefit as well as a “deep” desire to ensure the safety and security of both countries and by extension, the greater Indian Ocean Region, says Minister of Defense and National Security Mariya Ahmed Didi.

The Maldivian minister made this assertion while addressing the Passing Out Parade (POP) - Autumn Term at the Indian Naval Academy (INA) in Ezhimala.

She addressed the graduation as the first minister to be invited from abroad to officiate the POP of Asia's largest naval academy as the Chief Guest.

Highlighting that the Midshipmen and Cadets that graduated from the prestigious institution has the knowledge, technical skill sets, tactical acumen and leadership to ensure the safety and security of communities and people across both countries, alongside being equipped to excel in this profession, Mariya stated that their actions and decisions will directly influence not only India’s security, but the wider region as well.

Calling on the graduates to carry the same determination and spirit they showed throughout their careers, Mariya shed light on the INA's continued contribution to the professionalization and operational capacity-building process of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF)'s Coast Guard through training opportunities.

With this being said, she said that many MNDF officers trained at INA hold high ranks in various capacities.

During her ongoing visit to India upon the invitation of the Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Mariya paid a visit to the country’s Southern Naval Command and the Indian Naval Academy in Ezhimala, where she engaged in discussions regarding further strengthening training engagements between MNDF and the Indian Navy.

Mariya was assured by the Southern Naval Command – the training command of the Indian Navy – that they remain fully committed to provide training and development opportunities, in all areas of interest, the Maldivian military.