India eyes talks on troop withdrawal modalities

India plans to take up with the Maldives during talks of the high level core group next month, the modalities and timing of withdrawal of Indian defence personnel flying two ALH helicopters, one Dornier and sailing an offshore patrol vessel (OPV) in the island, people familiar with the matter said.

- Shishir Gupta

New Delhi is yet to officially respond to the demand by the Mohammed Muizzu government that the personnel be withdrawn by March 15, two days before the crucial Majlis election on March 17.

At the first meeting of the core group on January 14 and 15, Maldivian representative Ali Naseer asked Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Munu Mahawar to replace the defence personnel with civilian crew by March 15. New Delhi's response will come in the February round and be based on the availability of civilian crew for the surveillance assets.