SOURCE: AFI
According to reports from Maldivian media on Monday, Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives and responsible for operating a helicopter have departed from the island nation. They have handed over the helicopter’s operations to an Indian civilian crew, as confirmed by a media official from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to the Adhadhu news portal.
The Indian soldiers, who were stationed in Addu city, have returned to India after transferring the responsibility of helicopter operations to the civilian crew. However, there has been no immediate confirmation from India’s defense ministry regarding the withdrawal of the first batch of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, as reported by the media in the Maldives.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, perceived as a leader with pro-China leanings, has made it clear that no Indian military personnel, including those in civilian attire, would remain in his country after May 10. He emphasized this stance, stating, “There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. The Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence,” as reported by local media last week.