The Maldives administration confirmed that technical specialists would replace Indian military stationed there

The Maldives administration confirmed that technical specialists would replace Indian military stationed there

India has given the Maldives a wide range of military supplies, but the deployment of approximately 80 Indian troops there has drawn criticism.

President Mohammed Muizzu of the Maldives.

The Ministry of External Affairs has verified that technical professionals would take the position of India's military soldiers stationed in the Maldives. In answer to a question at a news conference in New Delhi on Thursday, spokeswoman for the External Affairs Ministry Randhir Jaiswal said, "The current personnel will be replaced by professional Indian technical personnel."

Following discussion of the issue at last week's second meeting of the India-Maldives High Level Core organizational the External Affairs Ministry said that the two nations had reached a consensus on a series of "mutually practical solutions" to permit the continuation of Indian aviation platforms' operations. had consented. This offers the people of the Maldives medevac and humanitarian assistance."

India has given the Maldives a range of defense equipment, such as helicopters and Dornier aircraft, though Mohammed Muizzu, the recently elected president of the Maldives, has since denounced the presence of about 80 Indian defense personnel stationed there to operate this equipment—a contentious issue. has started to be discussed. It is the vow of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to expel foreign military personnel from the nation.

"Both sides agreed with the Government of India will replace armed forces in one of the three aviation platforms by 10 March 2024, as well as will replace military personnel in the other two systems," the Maldivian Foreign Minister said during the meeting last week. Will finish the task. May 10, 2024.

According to earlier reports in the Indian media, Muizzu had demanded that Indian forces withdraw from the nation by March 15. Muizzu has also said that, in contrast to the nation's custom of prioritizing India in its foreign policy, he would want to expand the country's diplomatic ties outside of India. The strategic community in India is concerned by his overture, particularly with regard to China.