India 

India withdraws 51 soldiers from the Maldives as part of President Muizzu's deadline; bilateral relations undergo significant realignment.

India has initiated the withdrawal of its military personnel from the Maldives in compliance with President Mohamed Muizzu's deadline set for May 10. The decision to repatriate Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives underscores a significant shift in bilateral relations between the two countries.

According to official statements from the Chief Spokesperson of the President's Office Heena Waleed, a total of 51 Indian soldiers have been withdrawn from the Maldives as of now. However, specific details regarding the total number of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives have not been disclosed yet.

Previously, the Maldivian government had announced that a total of 88 Indian soldiers were deployed in the country to operate two helicopters, a Dornier aircraft, and the Senahiya military hospital, all of which were gifts from India.

President Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader, made the withdrawal of Indian military personnel a significant promise during his presidential campaign. The decision reflects a geopolitical realignment in the region.

India has already commenced the withdrawal process by replacing some military personnel with Indian civilian technical experts at three aviation platforms in the Maldives. Both India and the Maldives have reaffirmed their commitment to complete the withdrawal of Indian troops before the May 10 deadline.

The recent bilateral discussions held in New Delhi on May 3, during the fourth meeting of the high-level core group, emphasized the smooth progress of logistical arrangements for the withdrawal. The Maldivian foreign ministry expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the two countries in meeting the stipulated deadline.

Reports indicate that two batches of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives have already departed, with Indian civilian personnel stepping in to replace them. This transition signifies a diplomatic maneuver that aligns with India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean Region.

The Maldives holds a significant position in India's maritime strategy, as evidenced by initiatives such as 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy' of the Indian government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

In conclusion, the ongoing withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives highlights the evolving dynamics of regional geopolitics and underscores the importance of diplomatic dialogue in managing bilateral relations.