Indian soldiers in Addu City for helicopter operations leave

The Indian soldiers based in Addu City for the operation helicopters donated by India have left the city in line with the agreement reached between the governments of Maldives and India.

MNDF’s Spokesperson affirmed that all Indian military personnel based in Addu City have left – therewith confirming the absence of Indian military personnel in the city.

The Maldivian government has previously placed the number of Indian soldiers in Addu City at 25.

While Indian military personnel are also based in L. Kadhdhoo and HDh. Hanimaadhoo – they are scheduled to leave the islands before May 10^th.

Maldivian Foreign Ministry states both sides, following diplomatic discussions have agreed that India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by March 10, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by May 10. They are being replaced by technical personnel, who are civilians, according to both sides.

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu had built his presidential campaign on the promise of expelling Indian military personnel from the Maldives. To honor his pledge, he made a formal request to the Indian government to withdraw the troops a day after he assumed office.