The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Friday, March 15, the return of the first contingent of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
These personnel were previously tasked with operating an advanced light helicopter (ALH) for the island nation.
This development signifies the completion of the initial phase of a two-stage withdrawal process outlined during the second meeting of the India-Maldives high-level core group held in Delhi on February 2nd.
The core group was formed subsequent to a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Muizzu on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai in December.
The core group was established to address the planned withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, a move initiated by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the rotation of personnel, stating, "The turnaround of the first team of personnel who were operating the ALH helicopter has been completed." Civilian technical experts will assume the responsibilities previously held by the withdrawn military personnel.
President Muizzu, who assumed office in November 2023, had campaigned on a platform that included the removal of Indian military personnel from Maldivian territory.
Relations between India and the Maldives experienced strain since Muizzu came to power in November.
Widely perceived as pro-China, Muizzu pledged to fulfil his election promise of expelling Indian military personnel from his country.
Muizzu, 45, defeated the India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in the presidential runoff held in September last year.
The Maldives holds significant strategic importance for India in the Indian Ocean Region, and bilateral ties, including defence and security cooperation, saw progress under the previous government in Male.
This move strained relations between the two countries, which have traditionally enjoyed close cooperation, particularly in defence and security matters.
The previous Maldivian administration under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih fostered a strong bilateral relationship with India.
The current withdrawal process is scheduled for completion by May 10th, 2024.
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