India always shields Maldives with her heart : Chief of Defence Force

Chief of Defence Force, Major General Ahmed Shiyam have said that India always shields Maldives with her heart to defend Maldives.

He said that Indian Navy Ship INS Tir of India came to Maldives and assisted Maldives at a time when Maldives was greatly in need of assistance. He said that he will never forget the relief and happiness felt by Maldivians when the ship came and anchored at Maldives.

He said that one of the kindest act a man can do to another person is saving that person’s life. “India has done this for Maldives several times” said Major General Shiyam.

Shiyam said that usually countries do not send their own armies to save other countries and such things are done when two countries are sincerely very close. “Indian army came to Maldives and faced the guns and saved Maldives. When Maldives was stabilized, the Indian army left professionally. That is a good example. It was an example for the whole world” said Shiyam.

He further said that including him and many Maldivian soldiers were trained in India by Indian Army. He said that the naval officers of Maldivians were also trained by Indians. Shiyam thanked Indian army for their continued assistance to develop MNDF.

“even at present there is an Indian Navy Ship in our waters doing Patrolling our territory and training our naval Staff. There is going training at Maafilaafushi Army base.” Said Shiyam.