India to Accelerate Troop Withdrawal from Maldives Following High-Level Talks

In a significant diplomatic development, India has committed to expediting the withdrawal of its troops from the Maldives, responding to the formal request made by the government of Dr. Mohammed Muizzu. A pivotal high-level meeting convened at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today sought to address and finalize this consequential decision.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released an official statement, confirming India’s agreement to recall its troops as per the request from the Maldivian government. Beyond troop withdrawal, the meeting delved into discussions concerning mutual interests in development cooperation and the fortification of diplomatic ties between the two nations.

At the center of today’s discourse was a paper presented by the Maldivian government, advocating for the complete withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives by March 15th. The comprehensive discussions held during this high-level meeting underscored the gravity of the matter at hand.

Present at the deliberations were key representatives from both India and the Maldives.

The Indian delegation comprised HE Mr. Munu Mahawar, Indian High Commissioner to Maldives, Deputy High Commissioner Mayank Singh, Joint Secretary of External Affairs Ministry Punit Agarwal, and Advisor Colonel Yash Vardhan Patel. Additionally, Defense Advisor in Maldives Captain Deepak Bali, Commander of the Indian Navy Partha U Bhatt, DIG of the Indian Coast Guard Bibhuthi Ranjan, First Secretary (Political) of the Indian High Commission Karan Yadav, and First Secretary (Projects and Commerce) Kiran Huttri participated.

The Maldivian delegation, equally robust in its representation, included Chief of Staff of the President’s Office Abdullah Fayaz, (brother of Minisiter of Foreign  Affairs),  Chief of Defense Force Major General Abdul Raheem Abdullah, Ambassador at Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Ali Naseer, Secretary Bilateral Dr. Hala Hameed, Ambassador to New Delhi Ibrahim Shaheeb, Additional Secretary Aisha Azima at the Ministry, and Director Ahmed Suzil.