India, Maldives to discuss 'workable solutions' for continued use of Indian military platforms in Maldives
Newly sworn-in Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu campaigned on a promise to evict Indian military personnel from the archipelago, but had asserted that he will achieve this through diplomatic means.
"Muizzu, in the meeting, brought up the issue of Indian military personnel present in the Maldives for operating aircraft for medical evacuation and to counter drug trafficking," PTI quoted government sources as saying.
"It was agreed that the two governments would discuss workable solutions for continued cooperation through the use of these platforms as this serves the interests of the people of the Maldives," it added.
The Maldives is one of India's key maritime neighbours in the Indian Ocean Region and the overall bilateral ties including in areas of defence and security have been on an upward trajectory in the last few years. The Maldives is also one of the biggest beneficiaries of India's Neighbourhood First policy.
"President Dr Mohamed Muizzu formally made the request when he met the minister of earth sciences of India, Mr. Kiren Rijiju, at the President’s office earlier today," the government of Maldives said in a statement. Muizzu had defeated the incumbent Ibrahim Solih, who was seen as more favourably inclined towards India, in a presidential run off last month.
During the meeting, Rijiju also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's greetings to President Muizzu. “Privileged to call on President H.E. Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. Conveyed greetings from Hon'ble PM @NarendraModi and reiterated India's commitment to further strengthen the substantive bilateral cooperation and robust people-to-people ties,” Rijiju posted on X after the meeting.
About The Author

Welcome to Aryan Age, an English newspaper that has been serving readers since 2011 from Delhi. With a loyal circulation of over 19,000, we are dedicated to providing our readers with the latest news and information, as well as insightful analysis and commentary that help them navigate the complex and rapidly changing world.
Comment List