Navy Chief: Centre to decide on scaling down military presence in Maldives

• Navy Chief Admiral emphasises India's close cooperation with Maldives amid discussions on the potential scaling down of Indian military personnel in the key island nation.

India-Maldives Relations

• India has significant assets deployed in Maldives, providing assistance over the last five years, including medical evacuations and maritime surveillance.
• Any decision to scale down personnel in Maldives is contingent on instructions from the Central Government.

Maldives' Request for Withdrawal

• Maldives formally requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel earlier this month.
• Admiral stresses the government's decision-making role, underlining India's close ties with Maldives in training and participation in naval events.

Chinese Presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR)

• China's presence in the IOR for economic activities and highlights India's vigilance in monitoring regional activities.
• The Navy maintains surveillance of extra-regional forces and their intentions in the Indo-Pacific.

Naval Operations and Challenges

• Indian Navy sustains a high operational tempo with missions encompassing military, diplomatic, constabulary, and benign roles.
• Challenges in the Indo-Pacific region include disputes with conflict potential and issues like IUU fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, illegal migration, and robbery.

India-US Naval Partnership

• India and the US have a longstanding naval partnership, participating in exercises like Malabar and signing defense agreements.
• High interoperability achieved in joint exercises involving ships, submarines, aircraft, and aircraft carriers.

Future Navy Plans and Commitments

• The Navy commits to being fully "atma nirbhar" (self-reliant) by 2047 in capabilities, capacities, and concepts.

Prelims Takeaway

• Atma nirbhar