NEW DELHI: Amid question marks over the use of Indian naval choppers by Maldives, PM Modi briefly discussed the issue with President Mohamed Muizzu on the margins of COP28 climate summit in Dubai. The core group, which the two leaders had decided to form in what was their first bilateral meeting to enhance bilateral ties, will look into the issue, according to government sources.
Muizzu has asked the Indian government to pull out all military personnel from Maldives involved in operating & maintaining the two choppers and a Dornier aircraftthat India gifted to the country.According to Indian government, Muizzu acknowledged the role played by the choppers in facilitating medical evacuation and agreed to find a workable solution for their continued operations.
However, Muizzu was quoted as saying on Sunday that India had agreed to withdraw its soldiers in the bilateral meeting he had with Modi. Following his remarks, Indian government sources denied this, saying discussions were still on to keep “Indian platforms” operational.
According to Indian sources, the two leaders “briefly discussed” the issue in Dubai. Modi apparently emphasised on the significance of their continued operations in the interest of the local people. “The continued usefulness of Indian platforms as it was recognised in discussions needs to be looked at in a proper perspective,” said the source.
Muizzu has asked the Indian government to pull out all military personnel from Maldives involved in operating & maintaining the two choppers and a Dornier aircraftthat India gifted to the country.According to Indian government, Muizzu acknowledged the role played by the choppers in facilitating medical evacuation and agreed to find a workable solution for their continued operations.
However, Muizzu was quoted as saying on Sunday that India had agreed to withdraw its soldiers in the bilateral meeting he had with Modi. Following his remarks, Indian government sources denied this, saying discussions were still on to keep “Indian platforms” operational.
According to Indian sources, the two leaders “briefly discussed” the issue in Dubai. Modi apparently emphasised on the significance of their continued operations in the interest of the local people. “The continued usefulness of Indian platforms as it was recognised in discussions needs to be looked at in a proper perspective,” said the source.