BHARAT– In a strong display of maritime cooperation and regional partnership, Indian Navy's frontline guided-missile destroyer, INS Kochi, arrived in Male on 28 April 2025 to formally hand over the CGS Huravee to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The patrol vessel underwent an extensive normal refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai from December 2024 to April 2025.
In a ceremonial handover held at the MNDF Coast Guard Jetty, Shri G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, officially transferred the CGS Huravee to Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF. The event symbolized the enduring and robust defence cooperation between the two maritime neighbours.
The arrival of INS Kochi, a state-of-the-art destroyer commissioned in 2015 and part of the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet, further underscores India’s unwavering commitment to regional security, peace, and freedom of navigation. The ship was warmly welcomed by Maldivian authorities, reflecting the deep-rooted friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
As part of the visit, Capt Mahesh C Moudgil, Commanding Officer of INS Kochi, paid courtesy calls on Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy and Brig Gen Mohammed Saleem, Commandant of the Coast Guard, MNDF. A series of professional interactions, cross-deck visits, and sports fixtures have been scheduled during INS Kochi’s stay in port to foster greater camaraderie and interoperability between the Indian Navy and MNDF personnel.
The successful refit and smooth handover of CGS Huravee serve as a testament to India’s role as a reliable security partner in the Indian Ocean Region, and highlight the mutual trust and collaborative spirit between India and the Maldives.(PR)