India,Maldives agree to step up defence cooperation

India and Maldives today agreed on a series of measures to step up defence cooperation between the two countries. The decisions were taken at the back-to-back meetings that Antony had with the top leadership of Maldives including President Nasheed and Defence Minister Ameen Faisal, Defence Ministry spokesperson Sitanshu Kar,who is part of the Indian delegation to the country,said.

As reported by this newspaper,the visit will kick start the process of bringing Maldives into the Indian coastal security setup. This will be done by installing a series of coastal radars,regular Dornier sorties and helping to set up an air force for the nation.

India would be transferring to the Maldives a Dhruv helicopter,manufactured by HAL,Bangalore,for use by its defence forces, Kar said. The two countries also agreed on enhanced patrols by the Coast Guard and Navy.

While India has pledged two military helicopters,26 coastal radars and regular Dornier sorties over the island nation as part of the security plan,the Maldives coast guard has said that work has already begun on the installation of radars that will increase marine surveillance. India has also agreed to set up a 25 bed military hospital in Male.