INS Kochi, a frontline Guided Missile Destroyer of the Indian Navy, arrived at Male, Maldives on 28 April 2025, accompanied by the CGS Huravee of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF). The Huravee had recently completed a normal refit at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai between December 2024 and April 2025. At a ceremonial event held at the MNDF Coast Guard Jetty, Shri G. Balasubramanian, High Commissioner of India to the Maldives, officially handed over the CGS Huravee to Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy, Chief of Defence Force, MNDF.

INS Kochi’s visit underscores the deep maritime partnership between India and the Maldives and reflects the Indian Navy’s continued commitment to peace, security, and freedom of navigation in the Indian Ocean Region. Upon arrival, the ship received a warm welcome from Maldivian authorities, in line with the close defence and diplomatic ties between the two nations. Capt Mahesh C Moudgil, Commanding Officer of INS Kochi, also paid courtesy calls on Maj Gen Ibrahim Hilmy and Brig Gen Mohammed Saleem, Commandant of MNDF Coast Guard.