Maldives Continues Operating Indian-Gifted Helicopters Despite Troop Withdrawal

Despite India's withdrawal of its military personnel from the Maldives, the two helicopters gifted by India to the island nation are still being operated regularly. A Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) soldier is always onboard when the helicopters are flown, according to an unnamed airport official.

In September last year, President Mohamed Muizzu, who has a pro-China stance, came to power with a pledge to remove all Indian military personnel from the Maldives. The last of the 88 Indian personnel were repatriated by the set deadline of May 10.

India had gifted two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft to the Maldives, which have been used extensively for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions. Following the withdrawal of military personnel, India replaced them with civilians to continue the operations of these aviation platforms.

Why this matters: The ongoing operation of Indian-gifted helicopters in the Maldives has significant implications for regional dynamics and alliances. This development could influence the balance of power in the region and have consequences for India's relationships with its neighbors.

The helicopters are flown at least twice a week for maintenance purposes. An unnamed airport worker confirmed, "Indian military helicopters in the Maldives are regularly operated despite the removal of uniformed Indian military personnel based in the country. The helicopters are flown at least twice a week for maintenance of the aircraft."

Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon had previously alleged that Indian military helicopter pilots stationed in the Maldives carried out an unauthorized operation in 2019, a charge dismissed by the Indian High Commission in the Maldives. India clarified that its aviation platforms in the Maldives have always operated according to agreed procedures and with due authorization.

After the withdrawal of Indian soldiers, Minister Maumoon admitted that the Maldives military still lacks pilots capable of operating the three aircraft donated by India. Despite establishing new services, such as an air ambulance service and a military Air Corps equipped with drones from Turkey, the Maldives government has agreed to retain the Indian-gifted helicopters and Dornier aircraft, with civilian personnel from India operating them.

The ongoing use of these helicopters highlights the complexities in the Maldives' defence strategy, balancing its internal capabilities with external assistance. President Muizzu's administration continues to steer through these dynamics, reflecting broader regional influences and alliances.

"The government's policies aim to enhance the capacity of the country's own defence forces and ensure internationally accepted standards in the region," said Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon, highlighting the administration's focus on self-reliance while still leveraging international support.

Key Takeaways

• India gifted 2 helicopters to Maldives, still operated regularly with MNDF soldiers onboard.
• India replaced military personnel with civilians to continue helicopter operations.
• Helicopters flown at least twice a week for maintenance, despite Indian military withdrawal.
• Maldives lacks pilots to operate Indian-donated aircraft, relies on Indian civilian personnel.
• Maldives balances internal defence capabilities with external assistance, reflecting regional dynamics.