The Maldives has resumed using a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters gifted by India for medical evacuations. This comes after both nations agreed on repatriating Indian military personnel who were operating the aviation platforms in the archipelagic nation. President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, expressed gratitude towards India for facilitating the resumption of medical evacuation services with civilian aviation personnel from India.The Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) announced that medical evacuations using Dornier aircraft and helicopters have recommenced, now operated by civilian crews from India. The first two medical emergencies were carried out on Friday night, as reported by news portal Edition.mv.Background on the aviation giftIndia had previously provided the Dornier aircraft and helicopters, which were initially operated by Indian military personnel. These operations ceased after President Muizzus inauguration last November. Muizzu, riding on an India Out sentiment, had demanded the repatriation of Indian military personnel immediately after taking office. In accordance with a February agreement, India withdrew its military personnel by May 10, replacing them with civilians while retaining the gifted aircraft and helicopters.ސިއްޙީ އަވަސްފަރުވާ ދިނުމަށް 36 އަހަރުގެ ބަލިމީހެއް، ޑޯނިއަރ އެއަރކްރާފްޓްގައި ރޭގެ 21:40 ހާއިރު، އެމްއެންޑީއެފް އެއަރ ކޯރއިން މާލެ ގެނެސްދީފި. pic.twitter.com/p6OZ30wVDL— Maldives National Defence Force (@MNDF_Official) July 27, 2024President Muizzus acknowledgmentPresident Muizzu announced the resumption of medical evacuations during a function celebrating the Maldives 59th Independence Day. “A patient was transported to Male on the Indian platform for the first time since military personnel were replaced by civilians. I thank the Indian government for this,” Muizzu said, according to Sun.mv news portal. The government had faced criticism for not utilising the Dornier aircraft and helicopters for medical emergencies.Operational detailsBefore the resumption, Indian military helicopters in Kadhdhoo and Addu were frequently flown for medical evacuations. Civilian personnel from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, an Indian aerospace and defense company, are now managing aviation platforms in Hanimaadhoo, Kadhdhoo, and Gan. Their contract runs until 2026.Maldivians medical visits to KeralaLocated southwest of the Indian peninsula, the Maldives is about 600 km away from Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala. Maldivians have traditionally visited Kerala and other South Indian states for medical emergencies and regular treatments. The Maldives also recently established a National Air Ambulance service using a repurposed Dash 8 flight and a seaplane.Debt management and bilateral relationsDuring the Independence Day ceremony in Male, President Muizzu discussed Loan Restructuring and Debt Management in relation to India and China. He highlighted significant contributions from both nations in assisting with the Maldives debt repayment. India deferred a USD 50 million loan and extended food quotas for two years, while China agreed to defer loans from the Exim Bank for five years without interest payments. Muizzu also mentioned ongoing free trade talks with the UK and optimism for a free trade agreement with India.
