@rajnathsingh
India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship to the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF). The Fast Patrol Vessel, capable of coastal and offshore surveillance at high speeds, was commissioned as MNDF Coast Guard ship Huravee. President of Maldives Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi were present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajnath Singh described the handing over of the two Made in India platforms as a symbol of the shared commitment of India and the Maldives towards peace and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
He stated that India, through a robust defence ecosystem, has significantly enhanced its manufacturing capabilities to further support the capacity building of partner countries. Mr Singh said, India has emerged as a leading defence exporter in recent years. The Minister said, India produces world-class equipment to meet not only its own needs but also for exports. Mr Singh said, India offers an enhanced defence partnership to friendly foreign countries, that is accommodative of their national priorities and capacities.
On India’s strong defence cooperation with the nation, Rajnath Singh asserted that the ties emanate from the twin policies of Neighbourhood First and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region). Mr Singh called for enhanced cooperation among nations in the Indian Ocean Region to address the common challenges faced by the region.