India ,Maldives 

Maldives Defense Minister acknowledges lack of pilots for Indian-donated aircraft, amid strained relations; plans underway for training local pilots to fill the gap.

In a recent revelation, Maldives Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon acknowledged the absence of qualified pilots within the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) capable of operating three aircraft donated by India. This admission comes amidst the withdrawal of 76 Indian defence personnel from the Maldives, following President Mohamed Muizzu's directive.

Speaking at a press conference held at the President’s Office, Ghassan disclosed that despite previous training efforts initiated by past administrations, no Maldivian soldiers have attained the necessary licensing or proficiency to fly the two helicopters and Dornier aircraft provided by the Indian military. These training programs were aimed at building local capacity but faced challenges leading to incomplete training for Maldivian soldiers.

The strained relations between the Maldives and India escalated when President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel operating the aviation platforms by May 10. India has complied with this request by withdrawing its military personnel, leaving a void in operational expertise for the donated aircraft.

Contrary to current statements, during their time in opposition, senior officials of the present administration criticized the previous government's handling of military aviation capabilities. They claimed that capable pilots existed within the MNDF, which now appears to be not the case.

The training of Maldivian pilots was the primary objective behind the deployment of Indian soldiers to operate the helicopters and Dornier aircraft, which were donated during different administrations. However, despite ongoing efforts, the completion of training remains elusive.

Foreign Minister Zameer has indicated that the agreement to replace Indian soldiers with civilians also includes provisions for training local pilots. This signals a commitment from both sides to address the deficiency in pilot expertise and ensure the sustainable operation of the donated aircraft in the future.

In light of these developments, the Maldives government underscores its commitment to strengthening its military capabilities while maintaining cooperative relations with strategic partners. Efforts to train local pilots will be crucial in ensuring the effective utilization of the donated aircraft for national security and emergency response purposes.

As the Maldives navigates its military aviation challenges, collaboration with international partners, including India, will continue to play a pivotal role in enhancing its defence capabilities and safeguarding its territorial integrity.