First Batch Of Indian Troops To Depart From Maldives By March 10: President Muizzu

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Monday announced that India and Maldives have agreed to withdraw Indian troops deployed in Maldives. Muizzu stated that talks are ongoing with India to facilitate the withdrawal process.

The first group of Indian troops is scheduled to be withdrawn before March 10, 2024, according to Muizzu's statement at the opening session of the 19th Parliament. The remaining military personnel from the three aviation platforms in the Maldives will leave by May 10, 2024.

"Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by 10 March 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024," the Maldives Foreign Ministry stated.

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President Muizzu highlighted his commitment to protecting the freedom and sovereignty of the Maldivian people. He cited overwhelming support from the populace for his government's pledge to withdraw foreign troops, recover lost territorial waters, and annul agreements potentially compromising Maldives' sovereignty.

Muizzu also announced plans to bolster the Maldives military's capacity to maintain the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) round-the-clock.

During the opening session of the People's Majlis, attended by only 24 Maldives Members of Parliament (MPs), Muizzu faced a boycott by opposition parties, including the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, citing concerns about the government's perceived undemocratic practices.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats decided to boycott the sitting due to the "undemocratic ways of the government." A total of 56 MPs boycotted the opening sitting. This includes 13 MPs from the Democrats and 44 MPs from the MDP.

The withdrawal of Indian troops has been a focal point of Muizzu's party's campaign. Currently, approximately 70 Indian troops, alongside maritime patrol aircraft and helicopters, are stationed in the Maldives.

Muizzu's administration formally requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel shortly after assuming office. The recent agreement between the two nations follows discussions held during the second meeting of the high-level core group in New Delhi.

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Both sides have agreed on a timeline for the withdrawal process, with the next meeting scheduled to take place in Male during the last week of February. The discussions also encompassed bilateral cooperation in defense, security, economic, and development sectors, aiming to strengthen the partnership between India and Maldives.