Indian Navy first to respond and help crisis-hit Maldives

The Indian Navy was first to respond and help Maldives after a fire at a desalination plant on Thursday led to an acute drinking water crisis in the island nationa's capital.

Responding to Male's urgent request for assistance, the navy sent the INS Sukanya with 35 tonnes of fresh water and is also equipped with reverse osmosis plants that are capable of producing 20 tonnes of water every day. The navy also sent the INS Deepak, which is capable of producing 100 tonnes of water every day, to Maldives' aid.

The Indian Navy has been amongst the first responders to crises in Maldives after the 1988 incident, when mercenaries had attempted a coup against the elected government in that nation. The navy is also actively cooperating with the island nation in meeting its maritime security requirements, spanning the provision of warships, training, and assistance in surveillance of their maritime domain, medical cover, Search and Rescue operations, as well as exchange of white shipping information.