India-Maldives Relation: Maldives is not deterring, now security force said- Indian personnel will work under its direction

The Maldivian security force has said that it will operate the helicopters provided by India and Indian technical experts will also work under its direction. This was said by Colonel Ahmed Mujuthaba Mohammed of Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF).

Now no foreign troops will remain in Maldives

This statement from MNDF has come when the process of withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives and deployment of technical experts in their place is going on. Colonel Muhammad said, President Muhammad Muizzu has decided that no foreign troops will remain in Maldives after May 10.

First team of technical experts reached Maldives

Last week, India had said that the first team of technical experts to operate modern helicopters has reached Maldives. This team will take over the responsibility of operating the helicopter from the military personnel who have to return back to India. This information was given by Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal on 29 February.

Agreement on withdrawal of military personnel by May 10

In two rounds of talks between the officials of the two countries, it was agreed to withdraw the military personnel by May 10 and send technical experts to Maldives in their place. The process of deployment of technical experts in place of military personnel is to be completed in two phases. The tension in relations between India and Maldives comes after Muizzu became the President in November 2023. The China-leaning Muizzu has asked India to recall 88 Indian troops deployed in Maldives for various tasks under the agreement.