President's Office Spokesperson Heena Waleed has said that a total of 51 Indian soldiers have departed from the Maldives so far.
The government earlier announced that two batches of Indian soldiers had left the country. But the exact figure was not disclosed previously.
When journalists repeated questions about the figure during a press conference on Monday, Heena said the total number is 51.
According to the government, 88 Indian soldiers had been stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters, a Dornier aircraft and at the Senahiya military hospital.
The two countries have agreed to withdraw the remaining troops before May 10.
Two batches of Indian soldiers in the Maldives have left the country, including soldiers who operated helicopters in Addu and the Dornier aircraft in Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo. Indian civilian personnel arrived in both areas last month.
Along with the civilians, India also sent a new helicopter to replace one in Addu.
Relations between the Maldives and India deteriorated after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu assumed office. The government has instead fostered closer ties with China and signed a military agreement. The government also classified this agreement.
