Local media reports on Tuesday indicated that Indian military personnel deployed in the Maldives have commenced their withdrawal from the island nation following President Mohamed Muizzu's order for them to leave by May 10. According to Mihaaru newspaper, approximately 25 Indian military personnel stationed in the southernmost atoll of Addu have departed the Maldives ahead of the official withdrawal start date of March 10, as agreed upon by both India and the Maldives.
The withdrawal process, which involves a total of 89 Indian troops and their support staff, is expected to be completed by May 10. Mihaaru reported that three Indian aircraft, including two helicopters and one fixed-wing plane operated by Indian civilian staff, have already arrived in the Maldives in preparation for the withdrawal.
Although there has been no official confirmation from either Maldivian or Indian authorities, Mihaaru cited the Maldivian National Defence Force confirming the commencement of the Indian troop withdrawal.
President Mohamed Muizzu, who came to power last year, had previously pledged to disallow Indian security personnel deployed in the Maldives from patrolling its maritime borders. As the deadline for the Indian withdrawal approached, the Maldives signed an agreement with China on March 4, with the Maldivian Defence Ministry stating that the deal aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and involve China in training Maldivian staff.
President Muizzu reiterated on March 5 that no Indian troops, even those in civilian clothing, would be allowed to enter the Maldives after May 10. His statement followed the arrival of an Indian civilian team in the Maldives to take charge of one of the three aviation platforms in the island nation.
This development occurs amid a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives sparked by derogatory remarks made by Maldivian politicians against Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep in January, which has strained bilateral relations.
In response, India announced last month that it would strengthen its naval presence on Lakshadweep, located approximately 130 kilometers north of the Maldives, with the Indian Navy unit on the island of Minicoy enhancing operational surveillance of the region.
