The third meeting of the diplomatic talks between senior officials of Maldives and India was held today in the capital Male'.
A statement from the External Affairs Ministry of India said discussions were held on the removal of Indian soldiers and the use of Indian technical personnel to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft in the Maldives.
The statement noted that many other topics were discussed at the meeting including efforts to strengthen relations between the two countries and monitoring development projects being carried out in Maldives by India.
The fourth meeting of the talks will be held in New Delhi, India.
The talks began after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu requested the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives. The decision to replace the troops with technical personnel was made during the talks.
In accordance with the agreement, 26 Indian soldiers who were stationed in Seenu Gan to operate a helicopter had left the Maldives. They are replaced by 26 technical personnel.
Relations between Maldives and India have deteriorated since Muizzu came to power while the government is maintaining close relations with China. During Muizzu's visit to China in January, 20 agreements were signed with the country.
The government has also recently signed a defense agreement to obtain non-lethal weapons from China.
