Indian troops begin moving out of Maldives

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Indian troops have begun leaving Maldives under an agreement brought about by President Mohamed Muizzu.

At least 25 Indian troops deployed in Addu city for the operation of helicopters donated by New Delhi have left the southernmost atoll of the archipelago, Sun Online news reported, citing the Defense Ministry.

The Indian military personnel have been replaced by civilian staff who will manage the two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft – the first chopper and its crew began operations in 2010.

Indian troops are also deployed in L. Kadhdhoo and HDh. Hanimaadhoo regions of the South Asian nation formed of some 1,192 tiny coral islands.

All 89 troops, including 12 medical personnel from the Indian military, are scheduled to leave Maldives by May 10.

Run by the Indian military personnel, the donated aircraft provide services for medical evacuations and are used for marine surveillance besides search and rescue operations.

According to figures shared by The Maldives Journal, of all 4,384 medical evacuations conducted last year, Dornier aircraft donated by India “carried patients 92 times.”

It added the two helicopters operated by India “were used to transport patients only 35 times.”