Maldives requests India to help strengthen military

The Maldives has requested for Indian assistance in strengthening the military capacity of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), and also in developing human resources in the MNDF.

The request was filed with Indian authorities by Minister of Defence Mohamed Nazim, who just returned after an official visit to India.

Nazim visited India to participate in the Defence Exhibition 2012 conducted by the Indian military, in New Delhi.

The MNDF said that Minister Nazim met with his Indian counterpart Mr. A. K. Anthony, and that discussed with him about obtaining training opportunities for Maldivian armed forces in India. The two ministers also discussed strengthening cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense, according to MNDF.

Minister Nazim stayed in India for three days, and returned last night. During his visit, he also met with the Indian National Defence Advisor, the Indian Chief of Naval Staff, and the Director General of the Indian Coastguard.

The Minister also met with the Malaysian Royal Navy Chief of Staff, the Malaysian Royal Army Chief of Staff, Nepalese Army Chief of Staff, who were also in New Delhi visiting the Defence Exhibition 2012. He discussed with these dignitaries too about getting their assistance in developing the Maldivian armed forces.

Minister Nazim was accompanied in his visit by Brigadier General Ahmed Shahid, the Commandant of the Maldives Coastguard and Director General of Intelligence, and Lieutenant Colonel Ibrahim Hilmy, the Principal Director International Defence Corporation of the MNDF.