The Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF) has today begun joint naval operations with the Indian navy, patrolling the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), reports Haveeru.
The paper reports that the Indian Navy ship and the Coast Guard’s Huravee Launch and Shaheed Ali ships will participate in the operation monitoring the waters for illegal activity.
The operations come as President Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan visits India on a visit intended to strengthen bilateral ties with the Maldives’ neighbour.
Defense Minister Mohamed Nazim visited Indian in April, meeting with officials to enhance military cooperation. The MNDF also conducted joint operations, labelled ‘DOSTI – XI’ with the Sri Lankan and Indian navies last month.