India has withdrawn 76 troops stationed in the Maldives to fly helicopters and Dornier boats, replacing all of them with Indian civilians, Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer has revealed.

The withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives is a presidential pledge of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu. In keeping with that promise, all Indian troops stationed in the Maldives were withdrawn last Thursday.

Minister Zameer told a news conference at the President's Office today that 76 Indian troops had withdrawn from the Maldives as of Thursday. He further added that civilians are now working in the Maldives instead of Indian troops. The 76 soldiers who were operating the vessles were replaced by 76 civilians.

"Instead of these people, civilians are now there to come and maintain everything. And I want to mention that we have brought in the number of people needed for this," Zameer said.

They are employees of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the manufacturer of the helicopter, Minister Zameer said.

Zameer also revealed that they will be stationed at Laamu Kahdhoo, Addu City Gan and Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo. As such, there will be 26 people in Addu City Gan until February 2025, 25 people in Laamu Kahdhoo until February 2025, and 25 in Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo.