Maldives says India has agreed to 'expedite withdrawal of Indian military personnel'

India and the Maldives also talked about expanding bilateral collaboration and speeding up the implementation of ongoing projects.

According to the Maldives Ministry of Foreign Affairs, India and the Maldives have "agreed to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel" from the island nation. On January 14, the Maldives and India held their first meeting of the High-Level Core Group.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs stated that India and the Maldives discussed finding a mutually acceptable solution to continue operating Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldivians, as per news ANI.

India and the Maldives also talked about expanding bilateral collaboration and speeding up the implementation of ongoing projects.

Also read: Maldives asks India to withdraw troops by March 15

The Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a press release, "During the meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Maldives, both sides reviewed the existing bilateral cooperation. Discussions were held on a wide range of issues of mutual interest, including development cooperation."

Earlier in the day, it was reported that Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has asked the Indian government to evacuate Indian troops from the island nation by March 15.