In compliance with the May 10 deadline set by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, India has completed the withdrawal of all its troops from the Maldives, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Maldivian presidential office.
President Muizzu, perceived as aligning with China, had stipulated May 10 as the deadline for the departure of Indian soldiers from the Maldives, a promise made during his presidential campaign last year.
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Heena Waleed, chief spokesperson for the President’s Office, informed the Sun.mv news portal that the final contingent of Indian soldiers has left the country. However, specific numbers regarding the repatriation were not disclosed, with further details expected to be provided later.
The Indian troops were stationed in the Maldives to operate and maintain two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which were gifts from India to the island nation.
Both India and the Maldives had agreed upon the withdrawal of Indian troops before the specified deadline. Initially reported to be 89 soldiers stationed, the Maldivian government had already repatriated 51 soldiers earlier in the week.
The announcement of the complete withdrawal coincided with the visit of Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer to India. During his visit, he held extensive discussions on bilateral relations and regional security matters with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Tensions between the two nations had escalated due to President Muizzu’s insistence on the removal of Indian military personnel operating in the Maldives. However, the Ministry of External Affairs in India noted that the technical operations of the Indian aviation platforms in the Maldives are now handled by competent Indian personnel, following the return of the troops.
