In a significant development, the Maldivian defence force has announced that it will take operational authority over the helicopter provided by Bharat to the island nation, along with the civilian crew tasked with piloting it. Maldives National Defence Force-MNDF’s Plans, Policy & Resources Management Principal Director Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed revealed this during a press conference.
He stated discussions are ongoing for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, highlighting President Mohamed Muizzu Government’s decision not to permit any foreign troops to remain stationed beyond May 10, as reported by the State broadcaster PSM News.
Last week, Bharat confirmed the arrival of its first civilian team of technical experts to replace military personnel operating an advanced light helicopter in the Maldives.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated during a weekly media briefing, “The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform.”
Following discussions in a high-level core group, it was agreed that Bharat would replace all its military personnel in two phases by May 10. This decision comes amidst strains in Bharat-Maldives relations, particularly as President Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, vowed to fulfil his election promise of expelling Indian military personnel.
Moreover, a recent deal between the Maldives and China’s military involves Beijing supplying “non-lethal” weapons, including tear gas and pepper spray, to the island nation. Colonel Mujthaba confirmed the Indian helicopter stationed in Addu City is undergoing repairs and that 26 civilians have arrived as replacements. He assured the familiarisation process is underway, reiterating the planned departure of Indian troops from the Maldives.
The Maldivian Government disclosed that 88 Indian military personnel were primarily stationed to operate two helicopters and an aircraft, providing vital medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.
The recent political landscape saw Muizzu defeating the Bharat-friendly incumbent in the presidential runoff held last September. Despite these developments, the Maldives remains a crucial maritime neighbour for Bharat in the Indian Ocean region, with bilateral ties, including defence and security cooperation, evolving over the years.
