Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that both countries face a number of challenges in repatriating Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
During a press conference held by the ministry of external Affairs on Thursday, questions were raised regarding president-elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's pledge to withdraw Indian military personnel from the Maldives.
In response to the question, the spokesperson said that both countries prefer to collaborate on addressing their concerns and challenges. Arindam highlighted that the two nations will collaborate, especially on security-related matters.
Arindam said that Indian prime minister Narendra Modi was the first world leader to welcome the president-elect, and had assured him of further strengthening the ties between India and the Maldives.
Highlighting that the Indian ambassador to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, had also met with the president-elect, Arindam said that the two countries engaged in fruitful discussions on bilateral relations and development progress.
President-elect Dr. Muizzu said that after his election victory that he would engage in discussions with India and work towards the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. He emphasized that even if the troops are withdrawn, the Maldives would continue to maintain its relations with India.
While the parliament has started preparations for Dr. Muizzu's presidential inauguration on November 17, his first official visit will be to India, according to advisor and diplomatic expert Mohamed Hussain Shareef.
Dr. Muizzu said that all previous presidents have made their first visit to India, and he believes this tradition should continue. He said that, especially given the current situation, it would be best to make his first foreign visit to India.
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