Strengthening Regional Bonds Through Humanitarian Partnership
India-Maldives Hold Joint HADR Exercise Under MAHASAGAR Maritime Vision: In a move to boost regional defence cooperation and maritime coordination, INS Sharda of the Indian Navy arrived at Maafilaafushi Atoll in the Maldives on May 4, 2025, to begin a joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The week-long exercise, running until May 10, underscores India’s commitment to joint disaster preparedness and humanitarian collaboration under the framework of its MAHASAGAR strategic vision in the Indian Ocean Region.
Aims and Key Features of the Exercise
The bilateral HADR mission is designed to improve operational coordination between India and the Maldives during crises. It includes joint search and rescue operations, medical response exercises, and community-level engagement to build rapid response capacity. These activities aim to enhance interoperability, ensure civilian preparedness, and foster tactical cooperation through shared learning and simulation-based training.
India-Maldives Strategic Defence Partnership
India has played a central role in supporting Maldivian defence capabilities since recognizing the country in 1965. Over the past decade, India has trained over 1,500 MNDF personnel and met nearly 70% of the force’s training requirements. The defence relationship includes joint Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) patrols, anti-drug operations, and infrastructure development such as the Coastal Radar System, Composite Training Centre, and construction of Ekatha Harbour and the Ministry of Defence Headquarters in Malé. Regular defence dialogues and bilateral visits continue to strengthen trust and coordination.
MAHASAGAR: India’s Maritime Vision for Regional Security
The exercise aligns with India’s MAHASAGAR initiative—Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions—which promotes peace, cooperation, and shared growth in the Indo-Pacific. Through disaster response collaborations, digital maritime platforms like ECINET, and capacity-building programmes, India is fostering a network of trusted maritime partners to ensure stability and resilience across South Asia.
Static GK Snapshot for Exams
India-Maldives Hold Joint HADR Exercise Under MAHASAGAR Maritime Vision:
| Topic | Details |
| Event | India-Maldives Joint HADR Exercise 2025 |
| Dates | May 4 – May 10, 2025 |
| Location | Maafilaafushi Atoll, Maldives |
| Indian Naval Ship | INS Sharda |
| Maldivian Partner | MNDF – Maldives National Defence Force |
| Strategic Initiative | MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth) |
| Key Activities | SAR drills, medical aid, rescue simulations, community outreach |
| Defence Cooperation Stats | 70% of MNDF training supported by India |
| Infrastructure Support | Ekatha Harbour, Radar System, Composite Training Centre, Senahiya Hospital |
| Recent Diplomatic Event | 5th Defence Cooperation Dialogue (Sept 2024), MNDF Chief’s Visit to India |
