The Maldives Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon recently acknowledged a capability gap in the country's military, specifically concerning the operation of three aircraft donated by India. This revelation comes shortly after the departure of Indian defense personnel who had been operating the aircraft.
According to Maumoon, there are currently no licensed pilots available to fly the donated aircraft. He mentioned that Maldivian soldiers who had previously begun training to fly the aircraft were unable to complete the program for unspecified reasons.
The Indian defense personnel, who had been stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopter platforms and a Dornier aircraft, left the country as per a deadline set in February following an agreement between the two nations. This agreement was initiated after a demand made by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance.
The replacement of Indian military personnel with civilians is seen as a setback to India's efforts to counter China's influence in the Maldives. President Muizzu's administration has entered several agreements with China, sidelining India in various projects and fostering closer economic ties with Beijing.
Muizzu campaigned on an "India Out" platform, arguing that the Indian military presence compromised Maldivian sovereignty. The recent military assistance pact with China and the docking of a Chinese research vessel at a Maldivian port further underscore the country's pivot towards China and away from India.
The Indian personnel who departed from the Maldives included pilots, crew, and technicians who operated helicopters and aircraft used for maritime surveillance, search and rescue, and medical evacuations. However, their presence in the Maldives was perceived as an infringement on sovereignty, contributing to the desire for their removal.
