India Withdraws Soldiers from Maldives Ahead of Deadline

India has fully withdrawn all its soldiers from the Maldives ahead of the May 10 deadline set by President Mohamed Muizzu. The repatriation of around 90 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives was a key pledge made by President Muizzu during his presidential campaign last year. The soldiers were stationed in the Maldives to operate and maintain two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft gifted by India.

The withdrawal of Indian troops impacted bilateral relations, and the decision came after extensive discussions between Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer and Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Despite the strain on relations, the Maldives remains a key maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean Region, with significant importance in India’s regional security and growth initiatives.