India has not told its defence personnel to pull out from Maldives following a request from Male, Indian Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar said on January 25. India’s ties with Maldives have come under strain after Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s election win last year pledging to end his country’s ‘India First’ policy.

Soon after taking oath as the President on November 17 last year, Muizzu, formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from his country, saying the Maldivian people have given him a ‘strong mandate’ to make this request to New Delhi.

Muizzu’s decisions are seen as a step to move away from India to strengthen ties with China in a region where New Delhi and Beijing compete for influence. During the first meeting of the India and Maldives core group, Maldivian representative Ali Naseer had asked the Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Munu Mahawar, to replace the defence personnel with civilian crew by 15 March.

“We await instructions, whatever is the decision,” Kumar said when asked about the return of defence personnel from Maldives. He added that New Delhi has “not really” issued any communication to the navy so far.

A contingent of around 80 Indian soldiers are stationed on the Indian Ocean archipelago nation to provide support for military equipment given to Male by New Delhi and assist in humanitarian activities.

Additionally, India has given Male two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which are mostly used for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations and medical evacuations. The two ALH under Maldivian colours, one Dornier aircraft and one OPV have all been grounded.