Talks with Maldives still on over continued ops of Indian aircraft

India and the Maldives are in discussions on the continued operation of aircraft provided by New Delhi to the Indian Ocean archipelago, people familiar with the matter said on Sunday after Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said the Indian government has agreed to withdraw military personnel from his country.

- Rezaul H Laskar

Two advanced light helicopters (ALH) and a Dornier aircraft provided by India in recent years have been extensively used for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in the Maldives, especially for ferrying people in medical emergencies from outlying islands to better medical facilities. Muizzu, who is seen as pro-China, has been demanding the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel, including those who operate the aircraft.

Soon after returning from a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to attend the COP28 Summit, Muizzu told a media briefing that the Indian government has agreed to withdraw its troops from the Maldives. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among the leaders with whom Muizzu held bilateral meetings in Dubai.