Embarrassed Maldives: Pilots are not able to fly Indian Aircraft #breakingnews #maldivesindia

Embarrassed Maldives: Pilots are not able to fly Indian Aircraft #breakingnews #maldivesindia

Maldives Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon has acknowledged that the nation's military lacks pilots qualified to operate three aircraft donated by India. This admission comes just days after the departure of the last Indian defence personnel from the Maldives.

"There aren't any people licenced to fly the aircraft," said Defence Minister Maumoon during a media briefing in Male on Sunday. He noted that Maldivian soldiers had begun training to fly these aircraft under previous administrations but were unable to complete the program for unspecified reasons.

The Indian personnel left the Maldives on Friday, meeting a deadline set in February as part of a bilateral agreement. This move followed a demand by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who has a pro-China stance, shortly after he took office in November 2023.

Indian military personnel had been stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. They returned to India by the May 10 deadline, established following the February agreement in New Delhi.

Replacing Indian military personnel with civilians is seen as a setback to India's efforts to counter China's growing influence in the strategically located Maldives. Since assuming power, Muizzu's administration has forged several agreements with China to enhance economic ties, sidelining India in various projects.

In March, the Maldives signed a military assistance pact with China and permitted a Chinese research vessel to dock at its port, a move that highlights the strategic shifts in the region.

Under the previous administration, New Delhi's relations with Male had strengthened considerably. However, Muizzu, who campaigned on an "India Out" platform, argued that the Indian military presence compromised Maldivian sovereignty.

The 77 Indian military personnel whom Muizzu insisted should leave included pilots, crew, and technicians. These personnel operated two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, providing crucial services such as maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations. Despite these contributions, their presence was perceived locally as foreign military boots on the ground.

#maldives #india #china #defence #geopolitics #tourism