The Maldives and India on Tuesday concluded a joint military exercise in Laamu Atoll.
The exercise, conducted from December 15 to 27 at the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) Central Area Headquarters in Kahdhoo Island, was aimed at further enhancing cooperation and joint operational coordination between the armed forces of the two countries, according to Defence Ministry.
A ceremony was held on Tuesday at the MNDF Central Area Headquarters to mark the conclusion of the exercise. Brigadier General Zakariya Moosa, Director General of the National Counter Terrorism Centre, attended the ceremony as the chief guest. Certificates were presented to officers who participated in the exercise by Brigadier Michael A.J. Fernandez, Commandant of India's 91st Infantry Brigade, and Brigadier General Zakariya Moosa.
Defence ties between the Maldives and India have strengthened over the years. The two countries, along with Sri Lanka, conducted a joint naval exercise titled ‘Dosti’ in the Maldives in October this year. The exercise was focused on Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response and Boarding Operations. Dosti commenced as a bilateral exercise between India and the Maldives in 1991, with the objective of strengthening co-operation between the countries, and Sri Lanka joined the exercise in 2012.