Indian Dornier and Helicopters to Remain Operational in Maldives Under Extended Arrangement

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that the arrangement to operate Indian Dornier and Helicopter aircraft remains in place, at the request of the Maldivian government. The aircraft, which have been in service for several years, are primarily used for medical evacuations, and maritime surveillance.

Following the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives in May 2024, as agreed by both governments, the aircraft have since been operated and maintained by Indian civilian technical staff. These personnel work in coordination with the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), which retains oversight of the aircraft’s missions and deployment.

This operational framework was designed to respect Maldivian sovereignty while ensuring the continued availability of critical air services, particularly for remote island communities.

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri stated that the continuation of the arrangement was based on a direct request from the Maldivian side. While no new agreement was publicly signed or announced, both sides reaffirmed their intention to maintain the existing operational support setup.

The Maldivian government has not issued a detailed public statement on the terms of the extension, but local media have reported that the aircraft remain actively deployed for public service missions.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives, his first since beginning a third term in office coincides with the 60th anniversary of the country’s independence and of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives. The visit included bilateral talks with President Mohamed Muizzu, during which both sides discussed economic cooperation, infrastructure, climate resilience, and regional security.

While the presence of foreign personnel had previously been a point of political debate in Male, the current arrangement reflects a mutual understanding between the two governments to maintain cooperation while respecting each other’s policies and public sentiment.

As of now, the Indian Dornier and helicopters remain in operation in the Maldives, supported by Indian civilian technicians and overseen by the MNDF. Both governments have signaled a willingness to continue practical collaboration.