India-Maldives Row: Muizzu Government Asserts Operational Authority Over Indian Helicopters, Civilian Crew

In a significant development, the Maldivian Defence Force has announced on Thursday (7 March) that it will hold operational authority over the helicopters provided by India to the island nation, along with the civilian crew piloting it.

Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohamed, the Principal Director of Plans, Policy, and Resources Management for the Maldives National Defence Force, highlighted during a press conference that discussions are in progress for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives.

Colonel Mohamed emphasised the decision of Mohamed Muizzu's government not to permit any foreign troops to remain stationed in the Maldives beyond 10 May.

Last week, India announced the dispatch of its first civilian technical team to replace military personnel handling the helicopters stationed in the Maldives.

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Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also confirmed the development, stating that the replacement process is underway.

Meanwhile, the Maldives government recently signed an agreement with China's military to receive "non-lethal" weapons, including tear gas and pepper spray, free of cost.

Furthermore, Colonel Mujthaba provided updates on the Indian helicopters stationed in Addu City, stating that it is undergoing repairs, with 26 civilians arriving as a replacement crew.

He assured that the familiarisation process is ongoing and reiterated that Indian troops will depart from the Maldives as scheduled.

Previously, 88 Indian military personnel were stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and an aircraft, conducting numerous medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.

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