India and the Maldives have agreed to establish a core group to address the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation. The decision was announced by the Ministry of External Affairs following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu in Dubai. The talks took place on the sidelines of the COP28 Summit in the United Arab Emirates.
During the discussions, PM Modi and President Muizzu explored ways to enhance their countries’ partnership. They recognized the importance of setting up a core group to guide the process of troop withdrawal. The details and timeline will be determined in accordance with the group’s recommendations.
Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters. The removal of Indian troops has been a key campaign promise of President Muizzu’s party.
President Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to maintaining a welcoming and hospitable environment, emphasizing the need for mutual respect in terms of security boundaries with other nations. He expressed gratitude for India’s provision of platforms for humanitarian assistance and medical evacuations, which have been appreciated by the Maldivian government.
The status and future of Indian platforms engaged in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) activities in the Maldives were also discussed. The importance of these platforms was acknowledged, and their continued usefulness was recognized.
President Muizzu conveyed that the Indian government has assured its respect for the desire of the Maldivian people to avoid hosting foreign military presence. As a result of the dialogue between the two countries, an agreement to withdraw Indian military personnel has been reached. The process is currently being undertaken at a technical level.
The establishment of the core group signifies a significant step forward in addressing the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. The cooperation between India and the Maldives in this matter highlights the commitment of both countries to maintaining strong bilateral ties and fostering mutual trust and understanding.
The agreement between India and the Maldives regarding the withdrawal of Indian troops marks a significant development in their relationship. The core group will play a crucial role in guiding the process, ensuring a smooth and mutually beneficial transition.
