India-Maldives review their Defence Cooperation
On December 14, 2019, India and Maldives agreed to expand their maritime security and boost their anti-terror cooperation in order to deal with the common challenges in Indian Ocean Region where China is expanding its military presence. The countries also held the 6th Joint Commission Meeting. It was co-chaired by the External Affairs ministers of the countries.
Highlights
The countries discussed about implementation of 1.4 billion USD economic package that was pledged by India earlier. At the Joint Commission Meeting, the countries reviewed the ongoing construction of police training facility in the city of Addu and other building projects that are implemented in Maldives with India’s assistance. It includes Composite Training Centre to train defence forces of Maldives, setting up of Coastal Surveillance Radar System (CSRS). It is to be noted that India had set up CSRS in Seychelles, Sri Lanka and Mauritius. The countries also agreed to partner Greater Male Area Connectivity Project. The project aims at connecting islands in the west of Male with the capital.
India-Maldives: Recent Developments
The countries will hold Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise. They have also planned for the lease of Dornier aircraft. At the Goa Maritime Conclave that was held in October 2019, India offered to share real-time movement of maritime traffic in the Indian Ocean littoral states.
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Month: Current Affairs - December, 2019