Maldives military has resumed operating the two helicopters gifted by the Indian government after renewing the agreement with its neighbours.
Maldives under former president Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom had returned one of the choppers in May and had asked India to remove the second by the end of June.
However, after extensive discussions between both sides, the then Maldives government had extended the deadline to remove the helicopters till December.
However, the new government had said the helicopters would remain which was confirmed by the country's new president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih last month.
"Helicopter Air MEDEVAC and SAR operations by MNDF CG in coordination with Area Commands have resumed with the renewal of LOE with India," Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) announced on Twitter.
There had been reports that the then government had been concerned by the presence of Indian navy staff who are stationed in the Maldives for the maintenance of the choppers.
India had reportedly stationed six pilots and over a dozen ground personnel to operate the choppers and also help the Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF).
However, president Solih said downplayed such concerns insisting that the helicopters are flown under the strict instruction of the relevant Maldivian authorities.
"Though the helicopters are flown by Indian pilots, we tell them when and where to go," Solih stressed.
He also said the helicopters since they were brought in had saved over 100 Maldivian lives adding that the cost of operating the choppers are entirely borne by the Indian government.
