In response to an ultimatum from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, India has deployed civilian “technical personnel” to replace military staff operating helicopters and an aircraft for humanitarian and disaster relief. Approximately 80 Indian personnel manage the Advanced Light Helicopters and Dornier aircraft in the Maldives. The move follows Muizzu’s directive to withdraw all Indian military personnel, aligning with his pro-China stance.
The Indian external affairs ministry confirmed the arrival of the first batch of technical personnel to operate an Advanced Light Helicopter at Gan Island. Details, including the team’s strength and the date of the third core group meeting, remain undisclosed. The defence ministry of the Maldives announced the replacement plan, stating that Indian military personnel stationed in the southern-most atoll, Addu, would depart by March 10.
The core group, established by India and the Maldives, addressed the issue during its second meeting, with the Maldivian foreign ministry reporting that India would replace military personnel for one aircraft by March 10, completing the process by May 10. The spokesperson for India’s external affairs ministry emphasized mutual consultation in resolving such matters and refrained from providing specific details. President Muizzu’s efforts to reduce dependence on India in sectors like food security and defence have led to agreements with Sri Lanka and Turkiye for medical evacuation and drone services, respectively. The Maldives aims to conduct maritime surveillance independently, distancing itself from reliance on other nations.
While India has been a significant contributor to the Maldives under its “Neighbourhood First” policy, President Muizzu’s shift has led to increased engagement with other countries. The Maldives’ maritime surveillance operations and agreements for self-reliance are part of a broader strategy. Despite India’s continued financial support, the geopolitical landscape in the region is evolving, reflecting Muizzu’s desire to diversify partnerships. The deployment of civilian personnel is a diplomatic maneuver to address the evolving dynamics, signaling India’s commitment to maintaining cooperation while adapting to changing geopolitical realities in the Indian Ocean region.
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