Maldives asks India to withdraw troops by March 15

India TV: Maldives asked India to withdraw troops by March 15

Maldivian authorities have called on India to withdraw its troops by March 15, India TV reports. This request will be discussed during a meeting of representatives of the Indian High Commission in the Maldives at the Ministry of External Affairs in Male.

“According to several Maldivian media outlets, including Dhauru Maldives Media, officials discussed the presence of Indian troops in the country and asked New Delhi to withdraw its troops by March 15,” the channel notes.

Earlier, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzou said that the Indian government had agreed to withdraw its soldiers from the Maldives. Defense cooperation between India and the Maldives began in 1988 when the Indian Army, at the request of President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, helped thwart a coup attempt.

There are currently 88 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, manning radar stations and surveillance aircraft funded by New Delhi. Indian warships are also providing support in patrolling the Maldives Exclusive Economic Zone.