51 Indian soldiers repatriated, total number announcement after Friday

The Maldives government on Monday, revealed it has repatriated 51 Indian soldiers back home.

Both India and the Maldives have agreed to deport all Indian soldiers before Friday this week.

The Chief Spokesperson of the President's Office Heena Waleed, in responses to media questions regarding the issue said on Monday, that a total of 51 Indian soldiers have been repatriated so far.

She however refused to disclose the exact figure of the Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives, stating the details would be shared at a later date.

Meanwhile, the state has not commented on the number of Indian civilian replacements who have arrived in the Maldives so far.

Besides agreeing to the repatriation of the Indian soldiers, both countries also agreed to seeking civial professionals from the country to operate the Dornier aircraft and helicopters.

The government earlier said 89 soldiers were present in the country according to available documents, who all are expected to fly back home before Friday, as told by the current state repeatedly.

Moreover, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier said that a batch of the Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives to operate and maintain the aerial vehicles, would leave by April 10, 2024 with the remaining officers expected to leave before May 10.

Repatriation of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives was a key pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his presential run. AFter his election victory, Muizzu the following day requested from Indian government officially to withdraw its soldiers.