India has taken two important decisions for stepping up its defense cooperation with the Maldives, a country situated in the Indian Ocean.  This is significant when considering China’s recently-enlarged strategic footprint in the area. To begin with, the Indian government has decided to station a Defense Attaché at Male, the capital of Maldives. Additionally, India has also decided to position its Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv an additional period of two years beyond April 2012. What is more, the helicopter, which was recently brought back to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) workshop in Bangalore for an overhaul, has been upgraded with night flying capabilities.

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