Maldives now puts Indian troops at 88; 'Tough task to remove’

The number of Indian troops in Maldives is now 88, the government said on Tuesday.

The government declined to say what the troops are doing in Maldives.

The government initially announced that the number of Indian troops in Maldives is 77. Later on the government declared that there are 89 Indian soldiers in the country.

The government announced the figure at a press conference at the Presidential Palace on Tuesday.

"The latest information released by the government authorities shows that there are 88 Indian troops," Nazim, Minister at the President’s Office said when asked about the number of Indian troops at the meeting.

"What is important here is to ensure the people of Maldives that foreign soldiers on this soil are being evacuated at the earliest possible opportunity, rather than haggling over their numbers”.

Before opening the press conference to share information on the decisions and discussions of the Cabinet held on Tuesday, Nazim said:

"[In addition] important meetings have been scheduled and planned for the future. The Cabinet has noted that progress is being made in this regard," Nazim said, without going into much detail about the meetings held so far.

The journalists then asked Nazim about the numbers of Indian troops. Asked about the figures, Nazim said the confirmed number is 88.

Earlier, the government had announced that the number of Indian troops was 89, but on Tuesday the number was 88. When asked whether it was a mistake of information or whether one of them had returned home, Nazim said:

"It means that when this is over, if there are 100 soldiers, 100 soldiers will also withdraw. And if there are 88 soldiers, 88 soldiers will also withdraw," Nazim said.

"The government always thinks it won't be easy”.

Replying to questions from journalists linking the Indian army, Nazim said it would not be easy to send them away. However, he repeatedly assured that President Muizzu's promise is being fulfilled.

"I want to assure the people of Maldives that the government is committed to fulfilling that promise. We have always seen this as not easy [and] challenging," Nazim said.

"The government believes that this should be done in accordance with diplomatic principles and rules and ettiquettes of the civilized world. This should be done within the legal framework”.

Therefore, he asked the people to remain with the government as it works to fulfill this promise.

Indian aircraft have been used for rescue operations in the past. The aircrafts are no longer used in such operations. However, the government has not yet officially announced whether it has been discontinued.

A journalist asked what the Indian troops are doing in Maldives now, but Nazim did not give a direct answer.

"Then [the journalist asked] what are the Indian army doing? It is a very big topic, a very sensitive topic [and] it needs to be answered very broadly," Nazim avoided answering the question directly.

Nazim said he did not think it was the best way to talk about the issue at Tuesday's press conference.