The Bharatiya High Commission in the Maldives has responded to allegations made by Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon regarding unauthorized operations by Indian military helicopter pilots in 2019.
The High Commission firmly dismissed the claims, asserting that Bharatiya aviation platforms in the Maldives have consistently operated in accordance with agreed-upon procedures and with proper authorization from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
The clarification comes in the wake of strained relations between Bharat and the Maldives following President Mohamed Muizzu’s demand for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the country.
President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, had set a deadline for the withdrawal of troops, which was recently met by Bharat.
Addressing a press conference, Defence Minister Ghassan baselessly alleged an unauthorized sortie by Bharatiya military helicopters, specifically citing an incident where one of the helicopters landed in Thimarafushi without permission.
However, the Bharatiya High Commission refuted these claims, stating that the emergency landing in Thimarafushi in October 2019 was necessitated by unforeseen circumstances and was carried out with MNDF approval.
— India in Maldives (@HCIMaldives) May 14, 2024
Furtherly, recent revelations by the MNDF indicate that Bharatiya military personnel had previously operated helicopters gifted to the Maldives without notifying the local military during the administration of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Defence Minister Ghassan also admitted the lack of Maldivian pilots capable of operating aircraft donated by Bharat.
Bharat’s assistance in providing helicopters and aircraft for medical evacuations underscores its commitment to the safety and well-being of the Maldivian people. The repatriation of Bharatiya military personnel was conducted in accordance with the agreement reached between the two countries in February, highlighting the diplomatic efforts to address any misunderstandings.
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Bharat views the Maldives as a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and remains dedicated to fostering positive relations through initiatives like ‘SAGAR’ (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighborhood First Policy’.
The recent developments reaffirm Bharat’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in the region while upholding mutual respect and cooperation between the two countries.
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