India and Maldives Reach Agreement on Soldier Withdrawal

India has agreed to withdraw its soldiers from the Maldives, according to President Mohamed Muizzu. The decision comes after Muizzu campaigned to alter the Maldives's "India first" policy and promised to remove the small Indian military presence in the country. Discussions between India and the Maldives recognized the importance of Indian assistance in providing military equipment and disaster response. A high-level committee will be set up to address development project issues. India and China have been competing for influence in the region, with Muizzu's coalition leaning more towards China.