India, Maldives core group created at Modi-Muizzu meet to discuss Indian platforms
Narendra Modi and Maldives newly elected President in their maiden meet held in Dubai discussed the issue of presence of India’s military platforms in Maldives that are engaged in humanitarian missions and the bilateral core group set up by the two leaders will discuss operational matters of platforms.
“We have seen reports about status of Indian platforms in Maldives engaged in HADR activities. The continued usefulness of the Indian platforms as it was recognised in discussions needs to be looked at in a proper perspective.
The issue was briefly discussed in Dubai,” sources said.
Modi met Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, last Friday on the sidelines of COP-28 Summit in the UAE. The two leaders also discussed ways to further deepen their partnership.
In this regard, they agreed to set up a core group.
«The Maldivian side has acknowledged the utility of these platforms. The fact that it is an important segment of bilateral development partnership is recognised by both sides. Discussions on how to keep them operational are ongoing.
The core group that both sides have agreed to set up will look at details of how to take this forward,» a source informed.
Last month Maldives National Defence Force carried out medical evacuations using a Dornier aircraft and a helicopter provided by India even as Muizzu was making a formal request with India’s minister of earth sciences Kiren Rijiju, who was present at his swearing in ceremony, to withdraw Indian “troops” from Male.
Pertinently, India has not stationed any ‘armed’ troops in the Maldives. It only has crews and technicians for its patrol vessel, Dornier aircraft and two ALH helicopters, all adorned in Maldivian colours. These assets have played a crucial role in
