President Commissions Offshore Patrol Vessel Donated By India

On Tuesday, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih commissioned the new offshore patrol vessel donated by the Government of the Republic of India to the Government of the Republic of Maldives. The handover ceremony was held last morning at the port area of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)’s Coast Guard ships in Hulhumale’.

The ceremony was attended by a high-level delegation of senior officials from the Government of Maldives, the Government of India and the MNDF. This included the Minister of Defence of India H.E. Rajnath Singh, Minister of Defence of Maldives Uza. Mariya Ahmed Didi and the High Commissioner of the Republic of India to the Republic of Maldives H.E. Munu Mahawar. President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and the Foreign Minister of Maldives H.E. Abdulla Shahid also were present during the ceremony.

The offshore patrol vessel and landing craft were handed over on behalf of the Government of India to the Government of Maldives by the Minister of Defence of India, H.E. Rajnath Singh. They were received from the Maldivian end by the Minister of Defence of Maldives, Uza. Mariya Ahmed Didi. Following this, Minister Mariya also presented a plaque of appreciation to the Minister of Defence of India to honour the continued aid from the Indian government.

At the ceremony, the President passed the national flag to the Commanding Officer to be hoisted aboard the offshore patrol vessel. The ship was named ‘C.G.S. Huravee’ and was gifted as an exchange for the ship previously operated by the same name. C.G.S Huravee officially started service yesterday. This generous donation is set to significantly improve the MNDF Coast Guard’s operating capabilities in maritime security and thereby strengthen national security.