Gov’t Announces Arrival of Civilian Crew to Replace Indian Troops in Addu City

The Ministry of Defence has issued a statement disclosing that a civilian crew, intended to replace the Indian soldiers stationed in Addu City for the operation of a helicopter donated by India, arrived in the Maldives yesterday.

According to the Defence Ministry’s statement, the civilian crew has assumed responsibility for helicopter operations since last night.

Furthermore, the statement outlined that as part of the process to replace the Indian troops in Addu City, the helicopter currently stationed in Gan will be transported to India for repairs, with test flights scheduled to commence today.

An Indian navy ship tasked with transporting this helicopter to India and bringing in a replacement is expected to arrive in Addu City on Wednesday.

The deadline for the withdrawal of Indian soldiers from Addu City is set for March 10th, while troops in L. Kadhdhoo and HDh. Hanimaadhoo are scheduled for withdrawal by May 10th.

The Defence Ministry reiterated its commitment to withdrawing soldiers from Addu City by the agreed-upon date. Discussions regarding the withdrawal of soldiers from Kadhdhoo and Hanimaadhoo will proceed through diplomatic channels, as stated by the Ministry.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizz based his presidential campaign on the expulsion of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

In response to discussions between Maldives and India regarding troop withdrawal, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that Indian soldiers operating aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to Maldivian citizens will be replaced by technical personnel.