Men: In a major development in Asia's geopolitics, the Maldives has resumed the use of a gifted Dornier aircraft and two helicopters for medical evacuation after the two countries reached an understanding on the repatriation of Indian military personnel stationed at three aviation platforms in the archipelago. , media reports said on Saturday.

President Mohammad Muijju thanked India

President Mohammad Muizhu, known for his pro-China stance, has thanked India for resuming medical evacuation services including Indian civil aviation personnel.

The Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) told local media that the provision of medical evacuation by Dornier flights and helicopters has resumed, this time with a civilian crew sent from India, news portal Edition.mv reported.

The MNDF conducted two medical emergencies on Friday night, according to a post on X. Dornier planes and helicopters were previously operated by Indian military personnel and were stopped soon after President Muizzu was sworn in last November.

President Muizzu ran on power banking on the 'India Out' sentiment and within hours of his swearing-in, demanded the repatriation of Indian military personnel from his country to the effect.

India-Maldives Agreement

According to an agreement between India and Maldives in February this year, all Indian military personnel were to return in batches by May 10, and India kept its word. Military personnel were replaced by civilians after India did not take back the Dornier planes and helicopters it visited the Maldives a few years ago.

News portal Adhadhu.com said the Indians are stationed at Hanimadhu to operate Dornier aircraft and at Lamu Kadhadhu and Seenu Gan to operate helicopters. There are a total of 76 Indian islands. It added that President Muizzu announced the resumption of medical evacuation by air at an official function held at the Youth Center last night to mark the 59th Independence Day.

A patient was flown to Male on an Indian platform for the first time after military personnel were replaced by civilians. I thank the Government of India for this,” Sun.mv news portal quoted Muizu as saying.

Dornier aircraft operations have resumed after the government faced criticism for not using Dornier or helicopters in medical emergencies, the news portal pointed out. It also noted that Indian military helicopters from Kadhadu and Addu were routinely flown in before medical evacuations by Dornier aircraft began. The government has not commented on it.

The civilian crew was sent by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited – an Indian public sector aerospace and defense company in Bangalore, which manufactured the helicopters donated by the Government of India.

“They will manage aviation platforms at Hanimadhu, Kadhadhu and Gana. Their contract expires in 2026,” Sun.mv added.

Strategic location of the Maldives archipelago

The Maldives archipelago lies in the south-west of the Indian peninsula about 600-odd km from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. For decades, Maldivians have been visiting Kerala and other South Indian states for medical emergencies and even routine treatment.

Meanwhile, the Maldives established a national air ambulance service a few months ago, which is operated with refurbished Dash 8 flights and seaplanes.

Later on Saturday, the President spoke about 'debt restructuring and debt management' at a ceremony to mark the 59th independence anniversary of the Maldives in Male, particularly due to the economic bilateral ties between India and China.

“The President acknowledged the significant contribution of China and India in assisting Maldives in its debt repayment efforts. India has deferred USD 50 million in loans and provided food quotas for two more years.

China has given the green light to defer loans from Exim Bank for various development projects for the next five years, during which no interest will be paid,” Truth.mv reported. Free trade talks are also underway with the UK and there is renewed optimism to establish a free trade agreement with India, the President was quoted as saying.

(with input from agencies)