India, Madagascar intensify defence cooperation

Relations between the countries are centuries old and there is a reason why the ocean that surrounds Madagascar is named the Indian Ocean. Both the countries had signed a defense cooperation agreement in March 2018 during the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to the island nation in the Indian Ocean.

Antananarivo: Defence Minister of Madagascar General Leon Jean Richard Rakotonirina on Friday visited four Indian naval ships in the northern port city of Antsiranana also known as Diego Suarez, and held discussions to intensify defense cooperation between the two countries.

As part of the Indian Navy's Overseas Deployment, ships of Indian Navy's First Training Squadron - Indian Naval Ships Tir, Sujata, and Indian Coast Guard Ship Sarathi arrived at Antsiranana, Madagascar on October 1 for a three-day visit.

Indian Navy ships are regularly deployed overseas as part of the Indian Navy's mission of building 'bridges of friendship' and strengthening international cooperation with friendly countries.

Addressing a joint press conference with Indian ambassador Abhay Kumar and Captain Singh onboard, Rakotonirina said that Madagascar and India relations are centuries old and there is a reason why the ocean that surrounds Madagascar is named the Indian Ocean.

Speaking on the occasion, ambassador Kumar praised Rakotonirina's dynamic leadership in deepening defense ties between India and Madagascar.

He reiterated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Security And Growth for All in Indian Ocean Region and President Andry Rajoelina's plan of emergence of Madagascar complement each other and the two countries can work together to fulfill the vision.

He appreciated the Indian Navy for being the first responder in the aftermath of Cyclone Idai that killed more than 600 people in Mozambique in March.

The reception was also attended by a large number of members of the Indian diaspora mostly from Gujarat who live in the port city of Antsiranana of Madagascar.

Later General Leon, the Chief of Malagasy Navy and other senior members of Malagasy Armed Forces interacted with the officers of the ships onboard and mingled with the Indian diaspora.

Reportedly, India and Madagascar had signed a defence cooperation agreement in March 2018 during the visit of President Ram Nath Kovind to the island nation in the Indian Ocean.