The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Maldives has announced the commencement of the second round of discussions between India and the Maldives regarding the removal of Indian troops from the Maldives.

This was announced in a press statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today on their website.

"Regarding matters that need to be discussed between the Maldives and India, the high-level core group's second meeting will be held in New Delhi today with high-level officials from both countries. The high-level committee was established following discussions between President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Dubai last December," says the press statement.

The inaugural meeting of the committee took place in the Maldives on January 14, with the Maldivian government subsequently revealing plans for the second meeting to be held in India.

While the delegation members have not been disclosed, confirmation has been received that the delegation has arrived in India.

Representing the Maldives in the previous committee meeting in Male' were Ambassador at Large Ali Naseer Mohamed, Chief of Defence Force Lieutenant General Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef, Secretary Hala Hameed, and Maldives Ambassador to India Ibrahim Shaheeb.

During the initial meeting, the Maldives requested the removal of Indian troops in accordance with the President's directive by March 15.

A government statement released after the meeting indicated an agreement between the two countries to expedite the troop recall.

However, India's External Affairs Ministry, in its statement, highlighted discussions about the continuation of humanitarian aid and medevac services, utilizing Dornier flights and helicopters provided by India.

Public Policy Secretary Abdulla Nazim later clarified the government's stance, indicating that while civil workers could remain in the Maldives to operate the flights, any military personnel of concern would be required to leave.

The ongoing deliberations aim to address these complexities and find common ground on the matter of troop withdrawal.