Maldives Resumes Medical Evacuations With Indian Aircraft Amid Improved Bilateral Ties

The Maldives has resumed using Indian-gifted Dornier aircraft and helicopters for medical evacuations after an agreement for the repatriation of Indian military personnel. President Muizzu has thanked India for civilian crew support. The resumption comes as bilateral relations improve, amid new financial agreements and free trade discussions.

The Maldives has restarted using a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters, gifted by India, for medical evacuations following a new understanding between the two nations over the repatriation of Indian military personnel. This development was reported on Saturday by various media outlets.

President Mohamed Muizzu, who has a pro-China stance, publicly expressed gratitude to India for aiding the resumption of these crucial services with the help of Indian civilian aviation personnel. The Maldives National Defence Force confirmed that these medical evacuation services have now resumed with a civilian crew from India, as reported by Edition.mv.

The resumption follows the arrival of Indian aviation crews who replaced their military counterparts. This move was part of a series of agreements between India and the Maldives aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, especially in medical emergency services and debt management.

(With inputs from agencies.)