Indian soldiers stationed in Addu have departed from the Maldives after handing over the operations of a helicopter to an Indian civil crew.

A media official for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) told Adhadhu that the Indian soldiers who were stationed in Addu are now back in India.

The first group of Indian civilians, which included 26 people, arrived on February 26 to replace the Indian military personnel operating a helicopter in Addu.

India says that "capable technical personnel" will be operating its aircraft in the Maldives and has not provided details.

When questioned about the matter, the Maldives government claims that they would ensure the personnel include only civilians but has not revealed how this would be checked.

India or any government agency in the Maldives has, so far, not released the photos, or names, of the members of the civilian crew.

India also sent a new helicopter and transported the old helicopter used in Addu for repairs. A ship carrying the new helicopter docked in Addu on February 29.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu requested India to withdraw 89 military personnel and India agreed to replace the military personnel with civilians and to continue the operations of two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.

The first group of Indian military personnel were given till March 10 to leave the Maldives and all of the soldiers will be replaced by May 10.