India and Maldives have agreed to “fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel” from the island nation, marking a significant development in their strained bilateral relationship. The decision came during the first meeting of the High-Level Core Group held in Male’ on January 14, 2024, established to address concerns and enhance cooperation between the two countries.
During the meeting, representatives from both nations engaged in discussions covering a broad spectrum of issues, emphasizing bilateral cooperation and expediting ongoing development projects.
The Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press release, stated, “Both sides expressed willingness to intensify cooperation and agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.”
Reviewing the existing bilateral cooperation, discussions included various areas of mutual interest, with a focus on development cooperation. The High-Level Core Group also agreed to convene the second meeting at a mutually convenient time.
One of the crucial aspects discussed was finding mutually workable solutions to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of Maldives. The ministry further added that the next meeting of the High-Level Core Group will be hosted in India.
President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has formally requested the Indian government to complete the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation before March 15. This proposal was put forth during a meeting between officials from the Indian High Commission in the Maldives and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male.
President Muizzu’s election campaign centered on removing Indian troops stationed in the country. A contingent of 70 Indian troops, with Dornier 228 and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, are currently stationed in the Maldives.
Abdulla Nazim, the Policy Director of the Maldives President’s Office, stated in a press conference, “During the meeting, the President proposed the removal of Indian troops before March 15. The government, the President’s Office, and the President have proposed this date for the agenda of the meeting. Those discussions are now underway.”
However, the Ministry of External Affairs from India has not issued any official statement regarding the reported meeting as of now. This development follows President Muizzu’s earlier claim in December, asserting that an agreement had been reached with the Indian government for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
Bilateral relations between the two countries had dipped considerably since Muizzu’s election victory last year. Derogatory remarks against India by Maldivian ministers further exacerbated the situation, leading to calls for a boycott of the Maldives as a tourist destination by Indian social media users. Tourism from India is a major source of income for the Maldives, making this a significant economic concern.
(Inputs from ANI)