The new 10-storey building of the Ministry of Defence, Dhoshimeynaa Building, has been jointly inaugurated by President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The building was inaugurated as part of Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing State Visit to the Maldives.
Following the inauguration, the two leaders viewed a model of the building, and learned about its functions and services.
The building was developed with the assistance of the Indian government. Construction of the building began on 19 February, 2014. The facility will primarily house the Coast Guard division of the Defence Ministry.
The Maldives Coast Guard was established 45 years ago, and is responsible for maintaining and safeguarding the maritime and aerial territory of the Maldives. Its responsibilities include protecting the Maldives’ Special Economic Zone (SEZ), conducting search and rescue missions, and responding to maritime emergencies. The Armed Forces Act and other laws of the Maldives entrust the Coast Guard with the role of a conventional navy, responsible for maritime civil defense and maritime security in the Indian Ocean.
The Coast Guard plans and conducts sea and air operations through four regional operational commands, each with its own subordinate squadrons. A Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre has also been established to provide search and rescue services during dangerous incidents in Maldivian waters and international waters.
The Coast Guard is also involved in the emergency transportation of patients from one island to another. A special force called the Special Boat Squadron has been formed to conduct specialised maritime operations.