NEW DELHI: The Maldives has refused India's invite to involve itself in the biennial naval exercise Milan, which starts March 6, Navy Chief Admiral Sunil Lanba stated on Tuesday.

The Maldives has not given any specific reason for the decision, Lanba told reporters on the sidelines of an event here.

Navy sources informed that over 16 countries have confirmed their participation in the exercise Milan.

The biennial naval exercise 'Milan' is being in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the backdrop of China's growing military posturing in the Indo-Pacific region and officials said the issue is likely to figure during deliberations among navy chiefs of the participating countries at the event.

"The interactions during Milan encompass sharing of views and ideas on maritime good order and enhancing regional cooperation for combating unlawful activities at sea," the spokesperson of Indian Navy Capt D K Sharma said.

Besides encouragement to cooperation through naval exercises and professional interactions, Capt Sharma said 'Milan' will also offer an opportunity to the participating navies to foster stronger ties in dealing with assorted security challenges.

India, the US, and several other nations have been imperative for freedom of navigation in the borderline of South China Sea.