"India and Maldives Reach Agreement on Aviation Platform Personnel Replacement"

India will begin withdrawing its military personnel from the Maldives between March and May, replacing them with Indian civilian personnel and Maldivian defence personnel to operate the aviation platforms. This move follows President Mohamed Muizzu's campaign promise to remove Indian military presence from the Maldives. Both countries have agreed on a timeline for the withdrawal and are also discussing ways to enhance bilateral cooperation in defense, security, economic, and development partnerships.