The Defence Minister of the Maldives, Ghassan Maumoon, has acknowledged that their military does not have licensed pilots to operate the three aircraft donated by India. This admission comes just days after the Indian defence personnel left the island nation.
During a media briefing in Male on Sunday, Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon stated, “There are no individuals who possess the necessary licenses to fly these aircraft.” He further explained that Maldivian soldiers who had started training to fly the aircraft under previous administrations were unable to complete the program due to unspecified reasons.
The Indian military personnel, who were stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopter platforms and a Dornier aircraft, had left Male and returned to India by Friday, in accordance with the deadline set on May 10 as part of the agreement between the two countries. This agreement was made following a demand from Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, shortly after assuming office in November 2023.
The decision to replace Indian military personnel with civilians is viewed as a setback to India’s efforts to counter China’s influence in the strategically located country to its south.
Since coming into power, Muizzu’s government has entered into several agreements with China to enhance economic ties and has marginalized India in various projects. In March, the Maldives signed a military assistance pact with China and has also permitted a Chinese research vessel to dock at its port, which is in close proximity to India.
While New Delhi’s relationship with Male experienced significant growth during the previous administration, Muizzu campaigned on an “India Out” platform, expressing concerns that the Indian military presence in the country compromised Maldivian sovereignty.
The 77 military personnel that Muizzu requested India to repatriate primarily consist of pilots, crew members, and technicians responsible for operating two helicopters and an aircraft. These assets are utilized to support the island nation in conducting maritime surveillance, search and rescue missions, as well as medical evacuations. However, within the Maldives, the presence of these individuals was interpreted as “boots on the ground.”