The government has said that all the Indian soldiers in Maldives have departed, except those working as doctors in Senahiya, bringing the total number of Indian troops who have departed to 76.
Responding to a question from a journalist at a press conference on Saturday, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer said a total of 76 military personnel had left the Maldives on six dates over the past three months.
They were stationed in three locations in the Maldives. A total of 26 soldiers were operating a helicopter in Addu city Gan, 25 were operating a helicopter in Laamu Kadhdhoo and 25 were operating a Dornier aircraft in Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo.
The two helicopters and Dornier aircraft were gifted to the Maldives by India during various governments.
Timeline of how the soldiers were withdraw
- March 7 - 12 soldiers in Addu
- March 9 - 14 soldiers in Addu
- April 7 - 13 soldiers in Hanimaadhoo
- April 9 - 12 soldiers in Hanimaadhoo
- May 7- 12 soldiers in Kaadedhdhoo
- May 9 - 13 soldiers in Kaadedhdhoo
Zameer said there are doctors of the Indian Army who have been working in Senahiya military hospital since September 2012 and their assistance was requested by the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).
"President [Dr. Mohamed Muizzu]'s intention is to remove them if their presence also affects [the country's] freedom, by requesting the Indian government, but there is no need for it at the moment," Zameer said.
The two governments have agreed to bring in Indian civilians, including employees of the aircraft manufacturer, to replace the soldiers in Maldives. The agreement on the matter has been classified.
