36 helicopter operations in 2019 so far: MNDF

Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) revealed that 36 operations were conducted using the two India-gifted helicopters so far this year.

During a press conference to disseminate information on Coast Guard operations, Brigadier General Ali Zuhair stated that 90 percent of the operations were utilized to aid in medical emergencies.

While the administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has renewed the helicopter agreement, former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom's government had ordered India to take back the helicopters amidst strained relations between the two neighbouring nations during the previous regime.

According to the agreement, the helicopters would be managed and operated by the Indian military. Several Indian soldiers are stationed for this purpose under a letter of exchange between the Maldives and India which must be renewed every two years.

Recently, former home minister Umar Naseer's event against the occupation of Indian personnel was barred by the government, with President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih claiming that the administration will refuse to provide an avenue for the creation of strife and discord between foreign countries.

Coast Guard's Principal Director Lieutenant Colonel Mohamed Saleem stated that the Indian military presence was not permanent and that new forces would arrive to replace the current resident operatives once their deployment is over.

Moreover, the Director stated that approximately 50 officials were utilized for the operation of the helicopters, further explaining that the figure includes not only uniformed military officers but civil employees from the helicopter manufacturer as well.

Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Saleem stated that MNDF will soon open opportunities for training related to operation of the helicopters.

Public opinion on the helicopters is also divided over the presence of Indian army officers stationed in Maldives to operate them.

The two helicopters, which were gifted to the Maldives in 2010 and 2011, are based in Seenu Atoll's Gan and Laamu Atoll’s Kahdhoo respectively. Under the agreement between India and Maldives, the Indian military would handle operations until Maldivian soldiers could be properly trained.

However, no steps have yet been taken to train any officers of Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) to operate the helicopters.