An Indian military ship has run aground a reef in the Maldives.

According to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), the ICGS Vajra was in the country to participate in a joint military exercise between the Maldives, India and Sri Lanka.

Photos and videos circulating on social media show the ship aground a reef near Kaafu Himmafushi island and Villa Nautica Maldives and Gili Lankanfushi resorts.

It was in the east towards the water villas of Villa Nautica Maldives.

MNDF said the ship was removed from the reef at 10:30 am on Friday (January 16). It did not sustain serious damages, but the reef is expected to have been harmed.

Two ships from India are in the Maldives to participate in this year's exercise. They are ICGS Atulya and ICGS Vajra. A Dornier aircraft of the Indian Coast Guard also arrived to participate in the exercise.

The Sri Lankan military sent the SLNS Suranimila to participate in the exercise. MNDF did not disclose the names of its vessels joining the exercise.