India to provide helicopter and hospital .

India is to provide a helicopter and a 25 bed military hospital to Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), according to a joint statement issued by MNDF and Indian High Commission in Maldives.

According to the statement, it is vital that MNDF possess the necessary ability and capacity to react quickly in search and rescue operations conducted in Maldives. As such Indian government has agreed to provide a Dhruv helicopter manufactured by Hindhustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to Maldives.

The statement issued , after the high level talks between Indian delegation led by Indian Defense Minister AK Anthony and President Nasheed and Defense Minister Ameen Faisal at the President’s Office on Thursday , also stated that the Indian government would all necessary assistance to establish a 25 bed military hospital in Male’ and provide training to MNDF doctors and paramedics.

According to the joint statement, Indian Navy and MNDF will jointly carry out surveillance and patrolling of the seas of this region. However, the statement is silent on the defense cooperation agreement to be signed between the two countries.

Indian Defense Minister AK Anthony’s visit to Maldives was from 20- 22 August and was accompanied by a high level delegation including Defense Secretary Pradeep Kumar, Deputy Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral DK Joshy , Armed Forces Medical Services and 5 other Indian government officials.