"India's Transition: Civilian Replacement for Troops in Maldives Sparks Diplomatic Queries"

India plans to replace its troops in the Maldives with civilians by May, following strained ties with the Maldives' new president, Mohamed Muizzu, who aims to end the country's "India First" policy. The troop pullout, agreed upon at a high-level meeting, is set to be completed by May 10, with the first set leaving by March 10. The move comes as global powers vie for influence in the Indo-Pacific region, with India and China both seeking closer ties with the Maldives.