The High Commission of India in the Maldives has refuted allegations made by Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon regarding unauthorised operations by Indian military helicopter pilots in 2019. In a recent statement, the High Commission stated that Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives have consistently adhered to agreed procedures and operated with due authorisation.
The clarification follows a period of strained relations between India and the Maldives, culminating in India’s withdrawal of 76 military personnel from the Maldives, as requested by President Mohamed Muizzu. President Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, had set a deadline for the withdrawal by May 10.
Defence Minister Ghassan had alleged that Indian military personnel conducted an unauthorised sortie with one of their helicopters landing in Thimarafushi without permission. However, the Indian mission dismissed these claims, stating that all operations were conducted with approval from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The specific incident mentioned by the Maldivian Defence Minister, an emergency landing at Thimarafushi on October 9, 2019, was clarified by the High Commission as being necessitated by unforeseen circumstances and carried out with necessary approvals from the Air Traffic Control (ATC).
Reports from local media also indicated previous instances of Indian military personnel using helicopters without notifying the Maldivian military during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Defence Minister Ghassan admitted during the press conference that the Maldives military lacked pilots capable of operating aircraft donated by India.
India’s military presence in the Maldives included operating helicopters and a Dornier aircraft gifted by India, primarily for medical evacuations. The last batch of Indian military personnel was repatriated by the May 10 deadline as part of an agreement reached in February between the two countries in New Delhi.
Sources By Agencies
