India Withdraws Troops from Maldives Ahead of Deadline

Male, The Maldives reported that India has removed more than half of its troops deployed in the island nation ahead of the stipulated deadline, marking a significant step in reducing India’s military presence in the region.

According to Kashmir Media Service, the decision follows Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s campaign promise to diminish India’s influence in the country, a pledge that contributed significantly to his election victory. Muizzu has expressed intentions to foster closer ties with China, emphasizing strategic autonomy for the Maldives, which lies along critical east-west shipping lanes and is renowned for its picturesque tourist destinations.

The troop withdrawal included 51 of the 89 Indian soldiers stationed at maritime surveillance posts across the Maldives. Heena Waleed, a spokeswoman for President Muizzu, confirmed the repatriation of the soldiers from two platforms as of Monday night.