Male: The second batch of Indian military personnel manning an aircraft gifted by India to the Maldives has left the island nation as demanded by President Mohamed Muizzu, according to a media report on Sunday. The second group of Indian military personnel who left the Maldives on April 9 were Indian soldiers who operated the Dornier aircraft, Adhadhu.com news portal reported. Earlier it was thought that the Indian military personnel who left the island nation were operating a helicopter.
The departure of the second batch of Indian soldiers was first announced by President Muizzu on Friday during an election campaign meeting. “The first team has already gone. Now, on April 9, the soldiers on the second platform have also been withdrawn,” Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, said. “Adhadhu has confirmed from a reliable source that the group that left on April 9 included Indian soldiers based in Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo for Dornier flights. Civilian or technical personnel brought in their place have since arrived in Hanimaadhoo,” the news portal quoted a source as saying.
Maldives did not disclose any details on withdrawal plans
The Maldives government has not officially disclosed any details on the latest withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the country. Muizzu announced the withdrawal of the second Indian military contingent from the Maldives while speaking during a campaign event in Addu city for the ruling People’s National Congress party candidates ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21.
