The Maldivian government has agreed to bring "technical" personnel to operate a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters after removing Indian soldiers from the Maldives before May 10, India has said.
Responding to a question about the removal of Indian soldiers from the Maldives during a press conference by India's External Affairs Ministry on Thursday, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India revealed its stance on February 2.
He was referring to a statement released by India's External Affairs Ministry that day after the second meeting of the India-Maldives High Level Core Group. Both countries agreed on the continued operation of the aircraft in the Maldives, the statement noted.
“I would like to say that the present personnel will be replaced by competent Indian technical personnel,” Randhir Jaiswal said.
He repeated the phrase "competent Indian technical personnel" but did not provide further details.
The Maldives government previously said that Indian civilians would operate the aircraft after Indian soldiers are sent back.
Neither country has said whether the "technical" personnel referred to by India are civilians or persons unrelated to the Indian military.
According to figures disclosed by the government, 77 Indian soldiers are currently based in the Maldives to operate the Dornier aircraft and two helicopters. The number of people who would replace them has not been revealed yet.
In a statement released after the last meeting of the Core Group, the Maldives Foreign Ministry said both countries agreed that the first batch of Indian soldiers would be sent back by March 10.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu previously requested the removal of Indian soldiers from the Maldives before March 15, according to the President's Office.
Speaking about the expulsion of Indian soldiers during a trip to Thaa atoll last week, President Muizzu said being short-tempered would not produce results.
After the second meeting of the India-Maldives High Level Group took place in New Delhi, the next meeting is due to take place in Male' in the last week of February.
