Final Batch of Indian Soldiers Repatriated from Maldives, Gov’t Confirms
Photo: The President’s Office
The Maldives government has confirmed the successful repatriation of the last batch of Indian soldiers stationed in the country, marking the conclusion of an agreement between the two nations.
The repatriation process, outlined in an agreement reached earlier, aimed to see the return of Indian troops before May 10, 2024.
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Earlier in the week, 51 soldiers were repatriated to India, with the President’s Office Chief Spokesperson, Heena Waleed, confirming the complete withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. However, specific details regarding the exact number of soldiers stationed had not been disclosed at the time of the announcement.
According to official documents, the Maldivian government had previously acknowledged the presence of 89 Indian soldiers in the country. Yet, there has been no official disclosure regarding the number of Indian civilian technicians who have arrived to take their place.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously stated that the Indian government had agreed to withdraw the troops by April 10. These soldiers were stationed in the Maldives to operate and maintain two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which were gifts from India.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, who succeeded former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had campaigned on the promise of deporting Indian soldiers. Following his election victory, he formally requested their removal, a pledge that has now been fulfilled with the completion of the repatriation process.
