of unfair pressure being exercised by the US Government to favour Bell. In June 2008, the government of Peru ordered two air ambulance Dhruvs for use by the Peruvian health services. HAL has reportedly been negotiating with Bolivia for five Dhruvs; and with Venezuela for up to seven. Others A civilian Dhruv was leased to the Israeli Defense Ministry in 2004; IAI has also made use of the Defense Ministry's Dhruv for marketing and public relations purposes. In July 2006, Air Force Commander of India Shashindra Pal Tyagi commented that India would purchase as many as 80 Mi-17 helicopters if Russia in turn bought Dhruv helicopters in exchange. In early 2004, the first foreign order for the Dhruv was placed by Nepal for two examples. In November 2014, India gifted another Dhruv to Nepal as part of a strategic pact. In August 2008, a deal was reportedly finalised with Turkey for three Dhruvs for 20 million, with plans to buy as many as 17 of the helicopters for use in the medical assistance role. The Dhruv has also been offered to Malaysia, while it is also being evaluated by the Indonesian Army. In 2007, Amnesty International stated it possessed evidence that India planned to transfer two Dhruvs to Burma, and pointed to the use of European-sourced components as a possible violation of the European Union (EU) arms embargo against that country. The Indian government disputed Amnesty's claims and denied any wrongdoing. In April 2010, the Indian Navy gifted a Dhruv to the Maldives National Defence Force for conducting search and rescue and medical evacuation, while a second Mk.III equipped with a weather radar was donated in December 2013. The first helicopter is based at Addu Atoll and the second will be based at Hanimaadhoo. Variants Military variants Mk.1 The initial configuration with a conventional cockpit with mechanical gauges and Turbomeca TM 333-2B2 turboshaft engines. A total of 56 have been delivered to the Indian military. Manufacturing began in 2001. Mk.2 Similar to the Mk.1, except has the newer HAL-IAI glass cockpit. A total of 20 have been delivered to the Indian military. Manufacturing began in 2007. Mk.3An improved version equipped with Shakti-1H engines, new electronic warfare (EW) suite and warning systems, automatic chaff and flare dispensers, and improved vibration control system. The first batch were inducted into service in 2012. Mk.3 Coast Guard Same in performance to the Mk.3 however,