The Indian government has yet to respond to the remarks made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu over the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives.
Speaking at a press conference at the Velana International Airport after concluding visits to Türkiye and UAE, the President said he had officially asked the Indian government to take back the soldiers a day after taking the oath of office.
"So it has been officially proposed. And the Indian government has agreed to take back the soldiers during [talks] before that and during all the other efforts to date," he said.
Indian and international newspapers on Monday reported that senior Indian officials have been questioned about Muizzu's remarks. However, Indian officials have not confirmed the agreement.
Officials told newspapers that Muizzu did not have an in-depth conversation about the issue during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dubai.
However, the reports noted that he had highlighted the benefits of the two helicopters and the Dornier flight donated by India and discussed the continuity of the services.
Both countries also agreed that the humanitarian services provided by the Indian Army benefit the people of Maldives, the reports added. The newly formed committee, which includes officials from both countries, will also focus on maintaining the services, according to the papers.
The President met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in the UAE.
