Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has said the country is regularly operating two helicopters and a military aircraft in the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference at the External Affairs Ministry, Misri said the helicopters and military aircraft were in operation with the help of trained personnel.
Indian uniformed soldiers, based in the Maldives to operate the helicopters and the aircraft, were replaced with members from an Indian military company.
Misri added that India was working to help the Maldives make the best use of the two helicopters and the Dornier jet.
During the presidential election campaign, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu claimed that the helicopters and the aircraft and the Indian soldiers based in the Maldives were a threat to sovereignty.
He pledged to ensure the withdrawal of Indian troops. In May 2024, 76 soldiers were replaced with 76 officials from the Indian military company.
