india-maldives-2nd-core-meet-consensus-reached-on-military-personnel-withdrawal

India and the Maldives have reached a consensus on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10, the Government of Maldives has stated following the second meeting of the high-level core group between the two sides that was held in New Delhi on Friday. 

The decision was announced after the second core group meeting held between the two nations, lasting over two weeks and concluding yesterday in New Delhi.

According to a statement from the Maldivian Foreign Ministry, India will replace its military personnel in the three aviation platforms in two phases by May 10. The first phase of this process is set to be completed by March 10. 

This agreement follows discussions on a broad range of issues related to bilateral cooperation, with a focus on enhancing the partnership and expediting ongoing development cooperation projects among the two neighboring nations.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed that both nations have agreed on "mutually workable solutions" to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms, specifically those involved in providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives.

The core group meeting was initiated following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu during the COP28 summit in Dubai in December. 

Tensions had escalated after Muizzu, perceived as pro-China, assumed power in November and issued an ultimatum for the withdrawal of Indian troops by March 15. 

The approximately 80 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives are primarily responsible for operating helicopters and aircraft for evacuations and humanitarian missions.

This diplomatic resolution aims to ease the strains that surfaced after Muizzu's call for the withdrawal of Indian troops. 

The geographical proximity of the Maldives to India, situated just 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the mainland's western coast, underscores its strategic importance in the Indian Ocean Region.