India extends helicopter and Dornier jet deal on Maldives’ request
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India has extended the helicopter and Dornier agreement with Maldives. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has informed about the renewal of the helicopter and Dornier jet operation agreement in Male. This agreement has been extended at the request of President Mohammad Muizzu administration. Misri said that currently India’s helicopters and military aircraft are operational in Maldives. He has given this information amid PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Maldives.
Maldives’ Muizzu government had suspended the operation of helicopters and aircraft. Later he appealed to the Indian government to resume it. However, in May, the Muizzu government did not answer the question of renewal of the helicopter and aircraft operation agreement. Now the Indian government has clarified the situation on this. Three Indian military aircraft are in Maldives to provide humanitarian assistance – one helicopter and two Dornier aircraft.
PM Modi on a two-day visit
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that helicopters and military aircraft are being operated with the help of trained personnel. Personnel from an Indian military company have been deployed in place of Indian uniformed soldiers deployed in the Maldives to operate helicopters and aircraft.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in the Maldives on a two-day visit on Friday. President Mohammed Muizzu welcomed Prime Minister Modi on his arrival in the Maldives capital Male. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is visiting at the invitation of the President of Maldives.
India-Maldives relations
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri said that this visit of Prime Minister Modi is also the first state visit of a head of government, which is being hosted by President Mohammed Muizzu after assuming office in November 2023.
PM Modi’s visit to Maldives is being seen as a turning point after the tension in relations between the two countries during Muizzu’s reign. Prime Minister Modi will be the chief guest at the Maldives Independence Day celebrations on July 26.
