India’s Ministry of External Affairs had said that the next round of discussions between India and Maldives regarding the withdrawal of Indian troops in the Maldives will be held in India.

The announcement was made during the Ministry’s weekly press briefing on Thursday.

In response to the question posed by journalist – the Ministry’s Spokesperson Shri Randhir Jaiswal, referring to the first meeting of the High-Level Core Group between Maldives and India took place at the Maldivian Foreign Ministry in Male’ on January 14th, said the second meeting is scheduled to be held in India.

Commenting on the meeting, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry said both sides discussed agreements executed between both nations and a wide range of issues of mutual interest including the development of cooperation.

“Both sides expressed willingness to intensify cooperation and agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel,” the Foreign Ministry added.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs in a later statement said discussions were also held on enabling enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of Maldives.

The High-Level Core Group was formed following a meeting between Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of COP28.