•Indian troops stationed in the Maldives have begun withdrawing from the island nation, its defence authorities said, in line with President Mohamed Muizzu’s ‘India out’ promise to his supporters.
•Ministry of External Affairs said a technical team from India had reached the Maldives to replace the troops that were stationed to operate the India-gifted aircraft and coppers.
•Some 25 Indian troops deployed in the southernmost atoll of Addu left the archipelago ahead of March 10, 2024.
•The remaining military personnel are expected to pull out in batches, before May 10, 2024.
•The move comes even as the Maldives seeks to strengthen strategic ties with China.
•Maldives Defence Ministry recently signed a pact with China, seeking military assistance and “stronger bilateral ties”.
•The agreement would enable the Maldives to receive non-lethal military equipment and military training from China.