India has started withdrawing its troops from Maldives after the countrys pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu asked to leave the archipelago by May 10. According to local sources, so far 25 Indian military personnel deployed in the southernmost part of Addu have left the nation ahead of March 10, the move has been taken after both the nations India and the Maldives agreed to the same.It is to be noted that after the talks between the two sides, Male and New Delhi, both agreed to complete a withdrawal of 89 Indian troops and their support staff from the nation by May 10. As per sources, three Indian aircraft - two helicopters and one fixed-wing plane - to be operated by Indian civilian staff, had already arrived in the island nation. However, there is no official statement on this, from any of the nations. No Indian troops to remain in MaldivesThe statement from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu came while addressing the residential community of Baa Atoll Eydhafushi, saying that the Indian military will not reside in Maldives in any form after May 10. In addition to this, he also said that people are trying to spread false rumors about the situation. The pro-China President Muizzus reaction came after the Opposition started criticizing the government asserting that Indian personnel set to Maldives as civilians are in reality military officials out of uniform and that the government has no way to discover otherwise. Notably, this call has come after the Maldives signed an agreement with China as the pullout date for India has come closer.
