Soldiers on video Lankan, not Indian: MNDF

Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) clarifies nationality of the soldiers on a now viral video, confirming they are Sri Lankans not Indians.

While Maldives government earlier confirmed India repatriated all of its soldiers in the Maldives, political opposition claimed the soldiers on the now viral video are Indian.

In response, MNDF Media Official while speaking with 'Sun' confirmed the officers are Sri Lankan, and they are part of the ongoing Maldives-Sri Lanka training in Addu City Feydhoo on Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD).

The media official added further the Sri Lankan soldiers are training instructors.

Presence of Indian soldiers in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft gifted for military operations, became intense especially during the 'India Out' campaign run by the now ruling People's National Congress (PNC) during the former presidency.

Repatriation of Indian soldiers back home was among the chief pledges made by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu.

As part of this pledge, all 76 Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives have been withdrawn, instead of which, civilian technical professionals were brought in as replacements.

The civil technicians will remain in the Maldives until 2026.