Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulla Shahid has reiterated there is no military presence of any foreign force in the Maldives.
When asked by Indian daily newspaper, The Hindu, whether there is a reason for discomfort for some regarding the physical presence of Indian military personnel in Maldives, Foreign Minister Shahid said for some there are, adding although it is not the first time Maldivian forces are accompanying technical people on the ground from different countries. In this regard, minister expressed the Indian military personnel are not stationed in barracks.
Moreover, on the matter, minister replied although few people are spreading hatred by spreading misinformation, all that the helicopters do are humanitarian work which benefits Maldivians. In this regard, the minister noted the choppers assist to transport children, elderly people, or people who have suffered a stroke for immediate medical attention, as it is completely helpful since the islands are many and very widespread.
Continuing on, the foreign minister reiterated the helicopters are under the control of the Maldivian security forces.