Maldives does not have the capacity to fly the planes and helicopters donated by India, this is the situation here

India-Maldives News: Relations between Maldives and India are tense. Meanwhile, days after 76 Indian defense personnel left the country on the orders of President Mohammad Muizzu, Defense Minister Ghassan Maumoon has admitted that his army does not have capable pilots to fly the three aircraft donated by India. . Ghassan made this comment at a press conference held at the President's Office here on Saturday.

What did the Defense Minister say?

Maumoon gave this statement on the question related to the withdrawal of Indian soldiers deployed in Maldives to operate two helicopters and one Dornier aircraft and the arrival of Indian civilians in their place. To a journalist's question, Ghassan said the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) did not have any Maldivian military personnel who could operate the three aircraft donated by the Indian Army. However, some troops began receiving flight training under agreements with previous governments.

'Nobody is here'

“It was a training that required various stages to be completed, but our soldiers were not able to complete it due to various reasons,” Ghassan was quoted as saying by Adhaadhoo.com news portal. Therefore, at present there is no person in our armed forces who has a license or complete flying training to fly the two helicopters and Dornier.”

India-Maldives relations are not normal

Relations between the two countries came under serious strain after Muizzu, considered a pro-China leader, insisted on sending back by May 10 all Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms in the Maldives. India has already recalled 76 military personnel. However, the Maldives government has no intention of removing the Indian doctors posted at Senhiya Military Hospital, a media report said. Ghassan's comments contradict previous claims by officials that the Maldivian military forces are capable pilots, Adhaadhoo reported.