GG News Bureau
Male, 9th Feb. Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives, Munu Mahawar, met with Maldivian Commissioner General of Customs, Yoosuf Maaniu Mohamed, on Thursday to explore avenues for enhancing cooperation in various areas, including trade facilitation and mutual security. The discussions focused on fostering collaboration between the Maldives Customs Service (MCS) and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC).
The meeting occurred amid strains in bilateral relations following social media posts by Maldivian officials regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep and a request by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu for the withdrawal of Indian troops. Nonetheless, both sides expressed commitment to advancing cooperation.
In a statement on social media, the Indian High Commission to the Maldives highlighted the productive nature of the meeting, emphasizing the shared objectives of capacity building, trade facilitation, and mutual security.
Similarly, the official social media handle of the Maldives Customs Service underscored the significance of strengthening coordination and cooperation between the two nations, especially in exploring new areas for capacity building and training of MCS staff.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced India’s decision to replace military personnel at aviation platforms in the Maldives with competent technical personnel, in response to the Maldivian government’s request for troop withdrawal.
Following a high-level meeting in New Delhi on February 2, both countries agreed that Indian military personnel would be replaced on one aviation platform by March 10, with full replacement completed by May 10. The MEA emphasized that this decision aligns with mutually agreed solutions to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical services to the Maldives.
The move to withdraw troops comes amidst political developments in the Maldives, with President Muizzu’s party advocating for the removal of Indian forces ahead of the presidential elections. Currently, approximately 70 Indian troops, along with aircraft and helicopters, are stationed in the Maldives to support humanitarian efforts.
Additionally, the MEA addressed speculations about budgetary allocations for the Maldives in the Interim Budget 2024-25, confirming an allocation of ₹779 crore, reflecting India’s ongoing commitment as a development partner for the Maldives.
