Maldives: start of withdrawal of Indian troops, says local media. New Delhi considers this archipelago as part of its sphere of influence.
Relations between India and the Maldives have deteriorated, since the election in September 2023 of President Mohamed Muizzu, considered favorable to China. Maldives gave India two months to evacuate its 89 personnel stationed in this country, where they specialize in aerial reconnaissance. After the withdrawal of the Indian military, three reconnaissance aircraft given by New Delhi to Malé to monitor its vast maritime border will be operated by civilian personnel.