The Maldivian government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, recently inked a USD 37 million deal with Turkey to acquire military drones, marking a shift from India's previous role in patrolling its high seas. Previously, India, in collaboration with the Maldivian defense forces, conducted this maritime task.
This decision coincides with President Muizzu's 15 March deadline for 77 Indian military personnel to depart from the island nation. Muizzu, who assumed power in September, had campaigned on an 'India out' platform and anti-India rhetoric.
Notably, the Indian officers stationed in the Maldives were responsible for operating and maintaining two Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, gifted to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) by India. Additionally, they provided training to the Maldivian military. The helicopters played a crucial role in transporting patients from various islands to hospitals in Malé, saving over 500 lives. The Dornier conducted reconnaissance flights against suspicious ships, addressing issues like gun and narcotics trafficking.
The Turkish drones, likely the Aksungur drones, designed for maritime operations and surveillance, will replace these Indian-assisted capabilities.
Reports from Maldivian media Adhadhu indicate that funds for the Turkish drones have been allocated from the state's contingency budget. The Finance Ministry has already released part of the payment to the MNDF. According to the agreement between the Maldives government and the Turkish military drone supplier, payments will be made in installments, with the full transaction amount due within the year.
Turkey, a prominent player in drone warfare, particularly through companies like Baykar Defense and Turkish Aerospace Industries (TAI), has become a major exporter of both armed and unarmed drones.
Despite being a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and part of India's 'Neighbourhood First Policy,' Maldives-India relations have strained since President Muizzu took office. Breaking with tradition, he chose Turkey for his first foreign visit over India and subsequently made a state visit to China.
Under former President Abdulla Yameen, Male had signed a Comprehensive Action Plan for Defence with New Delhi in 2016. However, when the lease for the helicopters expired in 2018, the Yameen government requested their return. Subsequently, after President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih came to power in 2018, these demands were revoked.
(With Agency Inputs)
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