Foreign Minister of India and Maldives discuss withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives amid tension

Kampala (Uganda) – Amid tension between India and the Maldives over Lakshadweep, India’s Foreign Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer had a meeting here. Both leaders were there to participate in the ‘Non-Aligned Movement’ (NAM) summit. On this occasion, the two leaders discussed mutual relations and the withdrawal of the Indian troops from Maldives. They also discussed the ongoing development projects in Maldives and the participation of both the countries in the ‘SAARC’ and ‘NAM’. Currently, 88 Indian soldiers are in Maldives. A high-level committee has been formed to discuss troop withdrawal from the Maldives.

After the meeting, the Maldivian Foreign Minister posted on X, “We are committed to further strengthening and expanding our (India-Maldives) cooperation.” Maldives is one of India’s major maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean.

Why are Indian troops deployed in the Maldives ?

India had gifted 2 helicopters to Maldives in 2010 and 2013 and a small aircraft in 2020. There was a big uproar in Maldives due to this. The opposition, led by Muizzu, accused the then President Solih of favouring India. India says the gifted aircraft was to be used for search and rescue operations and to transport patients. The Maldivian military said in 2021 that more than 70 Indian soldiers were in their country for the operation and maintenance of the aircraft. After that, the opposition parties of Maldives started the ‘India Out’ campaign. They demanded that Indian soldiers should leave Maldives.