India’s Ministry of External Affairs has indicated that during Sunday’s High-Level Core Group meeting, there was also a focus on ensuring the continued operation of Indian aviation resources, which are vital for humanitarian and medical evacuation efforts in the Maldives.
This inaugural meeting of the High-Level Core Group, held at the Maldivian Foreign Ministry in Male’, included key figures like the Indian Ambassador to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar. One of the primary outcomes agreed upon was the expedited withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, as stated by the Maldivian Foreign Ministry.
Further elaborating on the meeting, India’s Ministry of External Affairs mentioned that discussions sought a mutually beneficial approach to maintain the operation of Indian aviation platforms. These platforms are crucial for providing humanitarian aid and medical evacuation services in the Maldives. Currently, the Maldives benefits from two helicopters and a dornier aircraft provided by India.
The formation of the High-Level Core Group was a result of discussions between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during COP28.
In a Sunday afternoon press briefing, Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, revealed that President Muizzu has officially requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel by March 15.
Recent government data indicates the presence of 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives.
President Muizzu, who had pledged during his presidential campaign to remove Indian military forces from the Maldives, reiterated this commitment shortly after taking office.
In a press statement given on Saturday following his return from a state visit to China, President Muizzu made veiled criticisms of India. He stated, “Our nation’s size does not justify external bullying,” without directly referencing any specific country.