Article Posted on : - May 05, 2025

Indian Navy Ship Sharda. Image credit: PIB

NEW DELHI (BNS): In line with India’s commitment towards regional cooperation, INS Sharda has arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives, for a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise from 04 to 10 May 25.

This deployment is a testament to the strong defence and maritime cooperation between India and the Maldives. It aligns with India’s "MAHASAGAR" (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions) vision, emphasising collaborative efforts to ensure peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indian Ocean Region, the Ministry of Defence said in a statement.

The HADR exercise aims to enhance interoperability between the Indian Navy and the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). It will focus on actions like Disaster Response Coordination, Search and Rescue Operations, Medical Assistance, Logistical Support, Joint Drills, Training Sessions, and Community Engagement following a major natural disaster.   

Through such collaborative efforts, India and the Maldives continue strengthening their partnership and ensuring readiness to respond effectively to natural disasters and other humanitarian challenges, it said.