The Indian troops who were seen at Velana International Airport (VIA) today were returning home after completing an exercise with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF), Adhadhu has learnt.

Videos of an Indian Air Force plane and uniformed soldiers at VIA have been circulating on social media. One video shows them outside the airport as well.

A reliable source confirmed to Adhadhu that the Indian soldiers were departing after completing the 13th edition of the Ekuverin (Friends) military exercises which began earlier this month.

They departed on the Indian Air Force plane today.

The military exercises were launched by Chief of Defense Force Major General Ibrahim Hilmy and Indian Ambassador to Maldives G Balasubramanian on February 2.

This is the 13th edition of the Ekuverin exercise between the two countries to strengthen the relationship between the Maldivian Army and the Indian Army.

Previous editions of the exercise were carried out in India and Maldives.

Recently, the MNDF has stopped disclosing information on exercises between Maldives and India.