Ministry of Defence has stated the Indian technical team who will operate the Indian helicopter stationed in Addu City Gan have arrived in the Maldives on Monday.

The repatriation of Indian soldiers in the Maldives is one of the biggest presidential pledges of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Following discussions between the Government of Maldives and the Government of India in this regard, the two countries agreed to send Indian troops on one of the three Indian aviation platforms established in the Maldives by March 10.

The two countries also agreed to send Indian troops on two platforms stationed at L. Kaddhoo and H. Hanimaadhoo by May 10.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Defence this evening, the technical team who will operate the helicopters stationed in Gan arrived in the Maldives on Monday evening.

The team will arrive in Addu in the evening to complete the handover/takeover procedures and Indian troops in Addu will leave the Maldives before March 10, the Ministry said in the statement.

According to the Ministry of Defence, test flights of the helicopter will be conducted from February 27 onwards to take the helicopter to India for the repair of the helicopter in Gan, which is part of the process of transfer of Indian troops in Addu. The Ministry added that the new helicopter that will be operated in the region will be delivered to Addu by 28 February.

The Defence Ministry further said that the government is carrying out the necessary discussions and procedures in accordance with diplomatic norms and procedures to ensure a smooth completion of the evacuation of Indian troops on both platforms.

The government's aim is to strengthen and maintain defence and security ties with friendly countries so that the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives can be protected and protected.