In the midst of ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, the first batch of Indian soldiers has returned from the Maldives. Before their departure, the Indian soldiers handed over their duties to an Indian technical expert team. China has responded to the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives through a statement from Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.
Supporting the Maldives government's decision, Wang Wenbin stated that China stands with the Maldives in maintaining its territorial sovereignty. "China supports the steps taken by the Maldives in preserving its territorial sovereignty and in the independent engagement and cooperation with other nations," Wenbin commented on social media.
According to China's state media Global Times, Wenbin made these remarks in response to a question regarding the departure of the first batch of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives.
First Batch of Indian Soldiers Returns from the Maldives
Following the directive of President Mohammed Muizzu, Indian soldiers operating surveillance aircraft and helicopters on various islands have returned from the Maldives. As reported by Maldives news website Mihaaru, approximately 25 Indian soldiers stationed in Addu City's southernmost atoll have left the Maldives ahead of the March 10 deadline. The Indian soldiers have reportedly handed over their responsibilities to a technical team before their departure, as informed by the Maldives media on Monday.
However, no official confirmation has been made by authorities from either the Maldives or India. Still, Mihaaru claims that the National Security Forces of the Maldives have confirmed the return of Indian soldiers.
China's Response
When asked about the withdrawal of Indian soldiers from the Maldives, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin stated that he does not have specific information. China also expressed support for the Maldives' actions to protect its territorial sovereignty and its friendly cooperation with all parties based on independence.
On Wednesday, China also stated that a Chinese military delegation recently visited Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Nepal to discuss cooperation on defense issues. Last week, the Maldives announced that it had signed a military aid agreement with China, under which China will supply the Maldives with non-lethal weapons free of charge.
No Plainclothes Permission After May 10: President Muizzu
President Mohammed Muizzu of the Maldives recently mentioned that no Indian soldiers would be present in plain clothes in their nation after May 10.
