Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) has stated armed foreign military personnel will not engage in Maldives as part of efforts to ensure peace and stability with assistance of Indian government.
Addressing a press conference held to disseminate information regarding some tasks of Maldives military, Chief of Defence Force Major General Abdulla Shamal said efforts to ensure peace and stability in all countries are assisted by developed countries in terms of capacity of security and peace.
Speaking regarding the helicopters gifted by Indian government to Maldives, Major General Abdulla Shamal assured armed Indian military personnel do not engage in Maldives. Furthermore, Shamal reiterated the two helicopters are solely operated under the watch of MNDF and its officers will have the authority to change the ownership of the helicopter.
While former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom stopped utilising the helicopters following comments that Indian helicopters operating in Maldives demean the security of country, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih recommenced the operation of the two helicopters.
Moreover, during the press conference, Vice Chief of Defence Force Brigadier General Abdul Raheem reaffirmed the radar surveillance systems kept in Maldives will be fully under control of MNDF. Brigadier General Abdul Raheem noted the Indian army will only be in Maldives to install the radars.
Highlighting the importance of the radar systems, Abdul Raheem said the radars widely engage in controlling and minimising smuggle of drugs via sea ports and illegal fishing in Maldives. The government decided to install radars in Uligam in Haa Alifu Atoll, Makunudhoo in Haa Dhaalu Atoll, Kahdhoo in Laamu Atoll and Gan in Addu City.
While three radars are activated now, the process to install the other radars is underway. The radars are installed with the assistance of Indian government.