India fully withdraws soldiers from Maldives

The last batch of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives have been repatriated, confirmed the Maldives government on Thursday evening.

The two countries earlier entered into agreement to repatriate Indian soldiers back home before May 10, 2024.

Earlier, the government announced 51 of these soldiers were repatriated to India on last Monday.

President's Office Chief Spokesperson Heena Waleed confirmed to 'Sun' about the full withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. She added details about the number of the soldiers stationed would be disclosed later.

The government earlier announced the presence of 89 Indian soldiers in the Maldives as per official documents. 

Meanwhile, the government has not disclosed the number of Indian civilian technicians who have arrived as replacements.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier said Indian government agreed to withdraw the troops before April 10. The soldiers were stationed in Maldives to operate and maintain two helicopters and Dornier aircraft India gifted earlier.

The ministry also said India agreed to withdraw the remaining soldiers before May 10 as well.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu who succeeded former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih on the promise of deporting Indian Soldiers, made the formal request on the day following his election victory.