Advertisement
Categories: NewsWorld

India to Withdraw Troops from Maldives by May

Advertisement

India has announced plans to remove its troops from the Maldives by May, according to statements from the Maldivian Foreign Ministry on Saturday, marking a significant step as the two nations strive to mend strained relations.

Approximately 80 soldiers stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago will be replaced by civilians, confirmed officials from both India and the Maldives.

With global powers vying for influence in the Indo-Pacific region, both India and China have sought to strengthen ties with the Maldives, traditionally seen as a close ally of India.

Tensions between New Delhi and Male escalated after Mohamed Muizzu assumed the presidency of the Maldives last year, signaling a shift away from the country’s previous “India First” policy.

Muizzu has called for the withdrawal of troops by March 15, citing the need to assert the Maldives’ sovereignty and reduce dependence on India. The troops were stationed to support military equipment provided by India and assist in humanitarian activities.

Under the agreement reached during a high-level meeting in New Delhi, the first batch of Indian troops will depart by March 10, with the remainder leaving by May 10. This decision comes amidst discussions on various bilateral cooperation issues.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that both countries have agreed on practical solutions to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide essential humanitarian services to the Maldives. However, no specific timeframe for the troop withdrawal was mentioned.

Indian authorities assert that the soldiers, including medical personnel, play a crucial role in providing humanitarian aid and medical evacuations for residents of the Maldives’ remote islands.

In addition to troops, India has provided Male with two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, primarily utilized for marine surveillance, search and rescue missions, and medical evacuations, all managed by Indian forces.

The next bilateral meeting is scheduled to take place in Male during the last week of February, according to the Maldivian Foreign Ministry.

Advertisement
Raheel J.M

Raheel, a Karachi-based reporter, is at the forefront of political journalism, providing insightful coverage that transcends the bustling landscape of Pakistan's political sphere. With an unwavering commitment to delivering accurate and comprehensive news, Raheel's work is marked by a keen understanding of the intricate dynamics shaping the political landscape.

Recent Posts

BYD Reports Record-Breaking Revenue of RMB 777.1 billion in 2024

BYD released its 2024 financial report, with key indicators reaching record highs! The company achieved…

1 week ago

Eid in Dubai: All You Need to Know

Eid in Dubai is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness, bringing a unique blend…

1 week ago

Bangladesh Deputy High Commission in Karachi Observes its National Day, Promotes Bilateral Ties

Bangladesh and Pakistan have been working for wider and stronger bilateral ties between the countries.…

1 week ago

Bank Alfalah introduces Pakistan’s First E-Commerce Shopping Platform AlfaMall on WhatsApp

Bank Alfalah, one of Pakistan’s leading commercial banks, has introduced AlfaMall on WhatsApp, bringing a…

1 week ago

K-Electric Reports Strong Industrial Uptake of Winter Demand Initiative

K-Electric (KE) has witnessed a positive industrial response to the Prime Minister’s Winter Demand Initiative,…

1 week ago

Karachi: Couple Killed in Tragic Hit-and-Run on Karsaz Road

Karachi witnessed yet another devastating road accident as a speeding car struck a motorcycle on…

1 week ago