India denies Maldives's accusations of unauthorized military operation
India on Tuesday said that its aviation platforms in the Maldives have consistently operated under "agreed procedures and with due authorization." This response came after Maldivian Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon claimed that Indian military helicopter pilots conducted an unauthorized operation in 2019. In a post on the social media site X (formerly Twitter), the High Commission of India in the Maldives clarified that the emergency landing in Thimarafushi was necessitated by an unforeseen exigency.
Why does this story matter?
On May 11 during a press conference, Maumoon claimed that one of the two helicopters operated by Indian military personnel in the Maldives landed in Thimarafushi, allegedly without permission in 2019. The case, he said, was reviewed by the Parliament's Committee on National Security Services (241 Committee), when he was a lawmaker. This statement came amid the already strained diplomatic relations between New Delhi and Male.
Indian mission clarifies details of 2019 operation
Dismissing the allegation, India, in a statement said, "Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives have always operated as per agreed procedures and with due authorisation from MNDF." "The specific sortie on 09 October 2019...was also undertaken with the approval of MNDF," the statement added. This action was carried out after taking necessary on-ground approvals from the Air Traffic Control to ensure the safety and security of the platform and crew, it said. MNDF refers to the Maldives National Defence Force.
Our pilots incapable of flying aircraft given by India: Maldives
To recall, during the same press conference, Maumoon had admitted that the Maldives military still does not have pilots capable of operating three aircraft donated by India. Indian military personnel had been stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, primarily for medical evacuations. The statement was made after 76 Indian defense personnel left the island nation at the instance of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.
India-Maldives relations
Diplomatic relations have been strained between India and the Maldives ever since pro-China Muizzu was elected as the president of the archipelagic nation last October. The withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed there to train Maldivian troops in combat, reconnaissance, and rescue-aid operations was one of the key promises of Muizzu's government. Relations hit rock bottom in January after some Maldivian ministers made "derogatory" remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he posted pictures from his visit to Lakshadweep.
India completes military withdrawal from Maldives
India repatriated all its military personnel stationed in the Maldives, ahead of the May 10 deadline. Earlier this month, the President's Office Chief Spokesperson, Heena Waleed, confirmed this development to the Sun.mv news portal. However, the exact number of soldiers stationed in the Maldives will be disclosed at a later date.
