The ongoing deputation of Indian technical staff to facilitate the sustained operation of Indian aviation platforms in the island nation was discussed during the third meeting of the high-level core group between India and the Maldives on Sunday.
In order to support the continuous functioning of Indian aircraft platforms in the island nation, India and the Maldives discussed on Sunday the ongoing deployment of Indian civilian technical staff. At the third high-level core group conference, which took place in Male and was centered on the removal of Indian military forces from the island, both sides completed the evaluation.
On Friday, India announced the return of its first group of military troops who had been using an advanced light chopper in the Maldives. Technical professionals from the civilian world have replaced the military staff.
The first batch of Indian military soldiers was supposed to leave the Maldives by March 10th, according to President Mohamed Muizzu.
The next meeting to be held New Delhi:
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, both sides of the discussion went over the ongoing deputation of Indian technical staff to support the ongoing operation of Indian aviation platforms that offer Maldivians medical evacuation and humanitarian relief services.
Both sides carried on their talks over a wide range of topics pertaining to bilateral cooperation, according to the statement. It was agreed that the next meeting of the high-level core group will be held in New Delhi at a time convenient for all sides.
How's the India-Maldives relationship at present?
As one of India's principal maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean region, the Maldives has seen an improvement in bilateral relations overall, particularly in the fields of security and defense, during the previous administration in Male.
Since November, when Muizzu took charge, there has been some strain in relations between India and the Maldives. Known for being a strong pro-Chinese leader, Muizzu was adamant about keeping his election promise to remove Indian military personnel from his country.
In the September presidential runoff, Muizzu, defeated entrusted Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, who was friendly with India.
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