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Govt official refutes claim that India-gifted helicopters will remain in Maldives

Nafaahath Ibrahim
29 August 2018, MVT 00:18
The Indian helicopter used to carry a patient from Ungoofaaru, Raa Atoll. PHOTO: INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION
Nafaahath Ibrahim
29 August 2018, MVT 00:18

A Maldivian government official on Tuesday denied India's claim of extending the duration of its two naval helicopters based in Maldives, along with their 48-member crew.

According to Indian media, the helicopters will remain in Maldives for a few more months with their 48 member crew and support staff while talks between the two countries continue. The 'Times of India' claimed the information was cited from diplomatic and military sources.

However a state official from Maldives has confirmed to local media Mihaaru that no changes have been made to the decision to return the helicopters to India.

The official also noted that they had repeatedly requested the Indian government to take back the helicopters along with the staff before June 30.

"This was done under an agreement, and it has expired now. The helicopters are being kept along with their staff though the agreement period has long since expired." said the official.

As per the Maldivian government, they decided to send back the helicopters as there was no need for them anymore. The choppers were used to airlift patients in medical emergencies.

There are some concerns over the number of Indian military officials stationed in Maldives to operate the helicopters, especially since the original agreement stated that Maldivian military officials would be trained to operate the choppers but it had not been done so.

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