The Maldives asserted on Thursday that it will retain operational control over the Indian helicopters and their crew stationed on its soil. Alongside this, the Chief of Maldives Defence Forces also mentioned ongoing discussions about the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the archipelago.
Addressing a press conference, Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed, Director of Planning, Policy, and Resource Management of the Maldivian National Defense Force (MNDF), stated that discussions are underway for the repatriation of Indian soldiers from the Maldives.
Colonel Mohamed further disclosed that maintenance is currently being carried out on an Indian helicopter based in Addu city. He added that 26 Indian civilians have arrived to replace the helicopter, and the MNDF will hold operational rights over these individuals and associated helicopter vehicles.
'No foreign military power post-May 10th...'
Colonel Mohamed emphasized, as reported by the Maldivian state broadcaster PSM News, President Mohamed Muijju's government has decided not to allow any foreign military presence existing in the Maldives post-May 10th.
Ever since his assumption of office, President Muijju has been vocally advocating for the return of Indian soldiers. Following multiple rounds of discussions between India and the Maldives, it was agreed that all Indian military personnel will be withdrawn from the island nation by May 10th. However, the Maldives consented to allow Indian technical experts to remain for the operation of the Indian helicopters.
Last week, India had informed that its first team of civilian technicians has reached the Maldives. Indian authorities stated that this team would now operate the Advanced Light Helicopter in the island country.
On February 29, during a weekly press briefing, the spokesperson of India's Foreign Ministry, Mr. Randhir Jaiswal, commented, 'The first technical team to operate the Advanced Light Helicopter has arrived in the Maldives. These individuals will replace the soldiers currently operating the helicopter.'
There are two HAL Dhruv helicopters and one Dornier 228 Maritime Patrol Aircraft belonging to India stationed in the Maldives, which were initially operated by the Indian military but are now being repatriated.
Consensus post high-level meeting between both nations
The repatriation of Indian soldiers from the Maldives was finalized at a second high-level meeting between the two sides. Following the agreement, the Foreign Ministry of the Maldives stated that India would withdraw its soldiers in two stages.
The first batch of soldiers was scheduled to return on March 15, with the rest expected to return to India by May 10th.
Relations with India sour as China-backed Muijju assumes office
Since taking office in November, President Mohamed Muijju has adopted a pro-China stance while persistently opposing India, having campaigned on the 'India Out' slogan. Throughout his campaign, he vowed to repatriate Indian soldiers from the Maldives, a promise he is now fulfilling.
The tradition of the newly elected President's first foreign visit being to India has been longstanding in the Maldives, yet President Muijju broke this custom by opting to visit Turkey and China instead.
It was recently reported that President Muijju's government entered a deal this week with the Chinese military, which involves China providing free non-lethal weapons including tear gas and pepper spray to the Maldives. Local media in the Maldives quotes President Muijju on the inclusion of such items in the deal.
According to the Maldivian government, there are 88 Indian soldiers in the Maldives who have carried out hundreds of emergency medical evacuations and humanitarian missions. The lack of essential health facilities in the Maldives often necessitates residents to rely on air ambulances for treatment in countries like India.
