Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer concluded his official visit to India on Wednesday amid a diplomatic standoff between the two countries. The purpose of his visit was to discuss bilateral ties and regional issues of mutual interest.During his visit, Moosa Zameer engaged in discussions with Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to explore avenues for enhancing the multifaceted relationship between India and the Maldives. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) welcomed his visit and highlighted the importance of bolstering bilateral cooperation.The MEA announced Moosa Zameers visit on social media platform X, stating, Warm welcome to FM @MoosaZameer of Maldives on his official visit to India. Discussions on bilateral & regional issues and seeking ways to provide impetus to our multifaceted relationship lie ahead.Warm welcome to FM @MoosaZameer of Maldives on his official visit to India.Discussions on bilateral & regional issues and seeking ways to provide impetus to our multifaceted relationship lie ahead. pic.twitter.com/jTBXjjJO9z— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) May 8, 2024The visit comes in the context of Indias commitment to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives before May 10. This decision was reaffirmed during the 4th meeting of the bilateral High-Level Core Group held on May 3, where both sides reviewed existing cooperation and logistical arrangements.The Maldives foreign ministry expressed satisfaction with the ongoing replacement of Indian military personnel stationed in the country, emphasising that all logistical aspects are proceeding as planned. The next step in this process will be the fifth meeting of the high-level core group, scheduled to take place in Male during June or July.The withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives has been a focal point of political discourse in the region, particularly during the election campaign of the Mohamed Muizzu-led government. Currently, there are approximately 70 Indian troops and essential aviation assets stationed in the Maldives to provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services.
