New Delhi
1 July 2009
Maldives has sought India's assistance for establishing an air wing of the
Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The request was made to an Indian delegation
led by National Security Adviser MK Narayanan when it recently visited the island-
nation.
India is understood to have conveyed her readiness to share resources and provide
necessary facilities for setting up the air wing. The establishment of the air wing will
form part of the enhanced defence and military cooperation between the two countries.
The Indian delegation, which also comprised Foreign Secretary Shivshankar Menon and
Defence Secretary Vijay Singh, called on President Mohamed Nasheed and Defence
Minister Ameen Faisal.
Both sides are also understood to have discussed joint exercises between Indian Navy
and Maldivian Coast Guard, joint manoeuvres in the Indian Ocean, and assisting the
MNDF to operate from more atolls. Maldives consists of about 22 natural atolls and a
number of islands and isolated reefs.
According to Maldivian Chief of Defence Force Major General Moosa Ali Jaleel, the
island-nation would strive to set up the Air Force with Indian assistance, and despite the
global economic downturn.
The MNDF is a combined security force responsible for defending the security and
sovereignty of the island nation. It comprises Coast Guard, Infantry Units, Non Military
Units, Support Service Units and Training Command. It is responsible for attending to all
internal and external security needs of Maldives, including the protection of the
exclusive economic zone. The MNDF functions directly under the command, direction
and guidance of the Ministry of Defence and National Security.
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