Maldives' President Mohamed Muizzu speaks during the High-Level Segment for Heads of State and Government session at the United Nations climate summit in Dubai on Dec 1, 2023. (PHOTO / AFP)

COLOMBO - The Maldives and India have inked a pact to end the latter's military presence in the islands country, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said Sunday, according to news reaching from Male, capital of the Maldives.

Muizzu, sworn in as the 8th president of the Maldives on Nov 17, recalled his meeting with Indian officials on the second day after assuming office, during which he officially requested the withdrawal

India agreed to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives after a series of constructive meetings and dialogues between the two countries, Muizzu told a press briefing at the Velana International Airport after returning from official visits to Türkiye and the United Arab Emirates, according to a press release by his office.

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The Indian government has guaranteed to honor and respect the desire of the Maldivian people to abstain from accommodating foreign military presence within the country, said Muizzu, expressing his wish for a swift completion of the withdrawal.

Muizzu, sworn in as the 8th president of the Maldives on Nov 17, recalled his meeting with Indian officials on the second day after assuming office, during which he officially requested the withdrawal.