India has consented to accelerate the withdrawal of its military personnel stationed in the Maldives under various defense agreements.
This decision was reached during the inaugural session of the High-Level Core Group, which convened at the Maldivian Foreign Ministry in Male’ on Sunday. The meeting saw the participation of Indian Ambassador to the Maldives Munu Mahawar among others.
Following the meeting, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry indicated that the discussions covered a range of topics, including existing agreements between the two countries and various mutual interests, particularly in enhancing cooperation.
The Ministry noted, “Both parties showed eagerness to deepen collaboration and concurred on the swift removal of Indian military forces.”
The Ministry also announced plans for a second session of the High-Level Core Group, to be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time.
The establishment of this group follows a discussion between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the margins of COP28.
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, in a press briefing on Sunday afternoon, mentioned that President Muizzu has officially requested India to complete the withdrawal of its troops by March 15.
Current data shows the presence of 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives.
President Muizzu, who had promised during his presidential campaign to remove Indian troops from Maldivian soil, made an official request to India shortly after taking office.
President Muizzu, in a media address on Saturday following his state visit to China, made indirect remarks critical of India. He stated, “Our small size doesn’t justify being bullied,” without directly naming any country.
He also unveiled initiatives aimed at reducing Maldives’ reliance on India, including efforts to procure essential food items and medical supplies from alternative nations.
Emphasizing sovereignty, he declared, “No nation should interfere in another’s internal matters, regardless of size,” and affirmed his commitment to preventing any external meddling in Maldivian internal affairs.