Image Credit – (PTI File Photo)
India has agreed to replace its military personnel operating three air platforms in the Maldives by May 10. The decision comes after a series of high-level meetings between Indian and Maldivian officials aimed at resolving Maldivian President Mohamed Muizza’s request for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. President Muizza, who took office on 17 November 2023, called for the removal of Indian forces by 15 March as part of his election promise.
The first phase of the replacement process is due to be completed by March 10, with one of the three air platforms transferring from the Indian military to possibly civilian operators with the necessary expertise. The remaining two platforms are expected to follow by the May deadline.
Around 80 Indian military personnel are currently deployed in the Maldives, primarily tasked with operating two helicopters and an aircraft that have been instrumental in conducting medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.
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“Both sides have agreed that the Government of India will replace military personnel on one of the three air platforms by March 10 and complete the replacement of military personnel on the other two platforms by May 10,” the Maldives foreign ministry said in a statement.
The bilateral negotiations also included talks on strengthening the partnership between the two nations with a focus on accelerating ongoing development cooperation projects. The next high-level meeting of the core group is to be held in Male at a mutually agreeable date.
The move reflects a shift in diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives under President Muizza, who was seen as more pro-China compared to his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
The Indian government has proposed a 22% cut in aid to the Maldives for the 2024-25 financial year, allocating 600 million rupees for development aid.
