Ahead of the May 10 deadline set by President Mohamed Muizzu, India has completed the withdrawal of all its troops from Maldives, as confirmed by the Maldivian government.
Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader, had pledged this repatriation during his election campaign last year.
Heena Waleed, Chief Spokesperson of the Maldivian President’s Office, confirmed to the Sun.mv news portal that the last group of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives has been repatriated.
The exact number of soldiers stationed will be disclosed later.
These Indian military personnel, stationed in the Maldives, were responsible for operating and maintaining two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft previously gifted by India. Official documents indicated around 89 Indian soldiers, with 51 of them repatriated to India on Monday.
According to External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, the first two batches of Indian personnel have returned to India, and the deputation of technical personnel has also occurred.
This confirmation follows a visit by Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to Indian External Affairs Minister S.
Jaishankar, where both ministers engaged in extensive discussions on bilateral ties and regional security concerns.
Moosa Zameer highlighted India’s early recognition of Maldives’ independence in 1965, emphasizing the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
He stressed the desire to maintain and strengthen this relationship, underlining the significance of economic cooperation with India as a vital component of the Maldivian economy.
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