The News Freedom
New Delhi, January 18
India is seeking a “mutually workable solution” for the two advanced light helicopters (ALH) and a Dornier aircraft it gifted to the Maldives for disaster relief, after the island nation. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told in a weekly briefing on Wednesday that a core group meeting on the issue had already taken place on January 14, with another one scheduled soon. “Discussions are ongoing,” Jaiswal said, urging against prejudging the outcome. “What is important is to find a mutually workable solution for the Indian aviation platform.”
Maldives set a March 15 deadline for the withdrawal of Indian personnel servicing them.
The Indian government gifted the aircraft to strengthen bilateral ties and support the Maldives’ disaster response capabilities. However, tensions arose in recent months after the Maldivian government, under new leadership, decided to review the presence of Indian military personnel in the country.
While the specific concerns underlying the Maldivian government’s stance remain unclear, it has demanded the withdrawal of Indian troops tasked with servicing the gifted aircraft by March 15. India has maintained that the presence of personnel is solely for “technical support and maintenance” of the aircraft, emphasizing their humanitarian purpose.