India has said the Maldives can count on it as a sincere friend and the two countries can work together to tackle challenges like terrorism piracy and drug trafficking to maintain peace and stability.

Inaugurating a military hospital build with Indian assistance in Male today, the Defence Minister Mr A. K. Antony said that the two countries shared culture, folkloreघरेलू कथा कहानी, trade and any traditions and customs and have fostered a close bond of friendship, which has withstood the test of time.

The Minister is scheduled to meet the Maldivian Defence Minister Colonel Retired Mohamed Nazim and lay the foundation of a Military training school at island of Maafilaafushi in Lhaviyani.

During the talks, both the Defence Ministers are expected to review ongoing defence exchanges and discuss ways to enhance military cooperation. A.K. Antony is on three day visit to Maldivies.

 India has called upon all the political parties in Maldives to respect the outcome of the report of the Commission of National Inquiry (CNI) set up by the Maldives government. In a statement, the External Affairs Ministry spokesman in Tehran said, India hopes that all political parties in the Maldives would take up the issues arising out of the report through a peaceful political dialogue, to make a way forward for resolving the political situation in the country.

AIR Correspondent reports, on July 20, India had taken note of the decision of the Government of Maldives to constitute a CNI to look into the events surrounding the transfer of power in the Maldives in February 2012. It is understood that the CNI will release its report shortly.

The Spokesperson also reiterated that India remains committed to extend its full support and cooperation for the continued stability, peace, progress and prosperity of the Maldives.

ndia has reiterated its commitment to work with Maldives for its development. Prime Minster Dr. Manmohan Singh has expressed the hope that all stakeholders there will join hands to resolve the current situation in Male and help in maintaining an environment of peace and stability.

He conveyed this to chief of Maldives' Dhivehi Rayyithunge Party Ahmed Thasmeen Ali, who called on him in New Delhi this morning. Ali is in the capital since July 31 on an official visit. He had earlier met National Security Adviser Shivshanker Menon and Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai.

During the discussions the close friendship and cooperation between India and Maldives were underlined.
Ali is accompanied by a top level delegation.

he Sri Lankan Coast Guard is participating in a joint sea exercise with the Indian and Maldivian Coast Guards in the seas off Male. 

According to the Sri Lankan Navy website, offshore Patrol Vessel, SLNS Sagara today sailed for the Maldives to take part in the five day exercise ‘Dosti - XI’. 

The aim of the exercise is to strengthen bonds of friendship and enhancing mutual operational capability and cooperation. 

The exercise will focus on Maritime Search and Rescue, Marine Pollution Response and Boarding Operations. 

Due to its geo-strategic significance, it is important for the Coast Guards of the three countries to ensure the safety and security of the Indian Ocean for all sea-farers.

Indian Coast Guard Ships “Sankalp” and “Subhadra” will take part in the exercise, while Maldivian Coast Guard Ships “Huravee”, “Ghazee” and “Shaheed Ali” of the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) will represent the Maldivian Coast Guard.

Somali pirates have seized an Iranian-owned cargo ship and its 23-strong crew off the Maldives. Maldives defence officials today said it is the first time Somali pirates have taken a ship in its waters. The vessel, the MV Eglantine, was hijacked off the north-western Hoarafush island. 

In recent years Somali pirates have extended the reach of their operations right across the Indian Ocean. According to reports the Maldives has sent a coastguard vessel to the scene.