Grounded Indian choppers resume operations

The two controversial helicopters donated to Maldives by the Indian government have been made operational again.

The two choppers, which were used by Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) in its operations and as ambulances to transport patients in critical condition from one island to the other – were grounded during former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s administration.

MNDF, this Thursday, announced one of the choppers – Kurangi – will be used to transport a patient in critical condition from Lh. Kurendhoo to Male’ City. The chopper is scheduled to land in Male’ City with the patient at 12:50 pm this Thursday.

MNDF’s operation marks the first time for one of the choppers to be used by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration, which is fostering closer ties with India.

The first of the choppers was donated by Indian government in 2010, and the other, during Yameen’s administration. The choppers continue to be operated by Indian army officers despite the original agreement to train MNDF officers to operate the choppers and the 40 or so Indian army officers stationed in Maldives with the choppers to return back home.