Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has clarified that the entire crew of the Coast Guard Ship ‘CGS Huravee’ donated by the Indian government comprises of Maldivian soldiers. Her statement comes amid allegations by the Maldivian opposition that Indian troops will be stationed in the vessel donated by India.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of CGS Huravee, Minister Mariya Didi said that since the vessel’s docking at Male, the Indian crew spent a significant amount of time giving the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldiers the necessary training to operate the vessel.
“With the vessel’s commissioning today, Major Ahmed Zaeem will be the first commanding officer of the vessel. The vessel’s full complement will be composed of Maldivian soldiers,” she said, according to a report.
The new vessel replaces the vessel previously used as the CGS Huravee, also donated by the Indian government. The new model is equipped with three water jets, making the vessel faster and easier to manoeuvre.
According to Minister Mariya, the vessel will consume less fuel than the previous vessel and will reduce the cost of operations.
She also noted that Maldives is a country with a large maritime area and acknowledged that this poses challenges such as illegal fishing, drugs, weapons, and human trafficking.
On Tuesday, visiting Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister Didi had attended the ceremony for the commissioning of the replacement ship for Huravee, in the presence of Maldives President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced the provision of the replacement ship for the aging Huravee, during President Solih’s August 2022 visit to India.
Minister Rajnath Singh also gifted MNDF an additional Landing Craft. The handing over of these vessels are in line with India’s vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) that seeks to work together with and jointly develop the capabilities of friends and partners for a safe, secure, prosperous and stable Indian Ocean Region, a statement said.
