Malé, April 28, 2025 – The Indian Navy handed over the refitted MNDF Coast Guard Ship (CGS) Huravee to the Maldives on Monday, a move that underscores India’s enduring commitment to the island nation despite a backdrop of strained bilateral relations. The vessel, upgraded over the past year in an Indian shipyard, was formally received by Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), in a ceremony attended by Indian High Commissioner Shri G Balasubramanian.
The Huravee, originally gifted by India in 2006, had been sent for a comprehensive refit in October 2024 to enhance its operational capabilities. The upgrades include advanced navigation systems, modernized weaponry, and improved sensors, equipping the vessel to better patrol the Maldives’ vast Exclusive Economic Zone and address maritime security challenges like piracy and illegal fishing. The handover ceremony also saw India transfer additional operational equipment and musical instruments for the MNDF, highlighting a broader gesture of support.
This event comes at a time when India-Maldives relations have been under significant strain. Since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in November 2023, his administration has pursued an “India Out” policy, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. By May 2024, India complied, replacing its military personnel with civilian technical staff to operate three aviation platforms used for humanitarian and medical evacuation services. Muizzu’s government has also pivoted toward China, signing defense and infrastructure agreements with Beijing, including a military assistance pact in March 2024. This shift has raised concerns in New Delhi, given the Maldives’ strategic location along key Indian Ocean shipping lanes.
Historically, India and the Maldives have shared a close partnership. India was the first to assist during the 1988 coup attempt in Malé, deploying troops to restore stability within hours. In 2004, following the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami, India provided immediate relief, including water, food, and medical supplies. More recently, India supplied vaccines during the COVID-19 pandemic and extended financial aid to help the Maldives manage its economic challenges, including a $50 million rollover in 2023 to avert a default. India has also supported infrastructure development, such as water and sanitation projects across multiple atolls, under its “Neighbourhood First” policy.
The Huravee’s return aligns with India’s broader regional vision, encapsulated in its “Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions (MAHASAGAR)” framework, which emphasizes maritime cooperation and security in the Indian Ocean. Despite the Maldives’ recent geopolitical tilt, India’s gesture signals a commitment to supporting the island nation’s critical needs, particularly in maritime security and disaster response—areas where the Maldives relies heavily on external assistance due to its limited resources.
The handover of the Huravee serves as a reminder of the deep-rooted ties between the two nations, even as they navigate a complex and evolving relationship in a strategically contested region