New Delhi/Male, May 3 (UNI) Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Ahmed Didi has clarified that the entire crew of the Coast Guard Ship 'CGS Huravee' donated by the Indian government comprises of Maldivian soldiers. Her statement comes amid allegations by the Maldivian opposition that Indian troops will be stationed in the vessel donated by India.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony of CGS Huravee, Minister Mariya Didi said that since the vessel’s docking at Male, the Indian crew spent a significant amount of time giving the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldiers the necessary training to operate the vessel.
"With the vessel's commissioning today, Major Ahmed Zaeem will be the first commanding officer of the vessel. The vessel's full complement will be composed of Maldivian soldiers," she said, according to a report.