Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has set a deadline for India to withdraw its troops from the island nation, stating that Indian military personnel should depart by March 15. This development follows Muizzu’s recent meeting with Xi Jinping during his first state visit to China after being elected.
The diplomatic tension between India and Maldives escalated when Maldivian ministers made offensive remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his visit to the Lakshadweep islands. In response, Maldives strengthened its ties with China.
Three ministers were dismissed, and the Opposition condemned the comments. However, President Muizzu emphasized, “Though we may be small, no one has the right to bully us.”
Maldives Urges Swift Withdrawal of Indian Troops
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, who serves as the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, emphasized that Indian military personnel must leave the Maldives, aligning with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s policy. This directive, reflective of the current administration’s stance, addresses the presence of approximately 88 Indian troops in the Maldives.
The Maldivian President’s stance, urging the withdrawal of Indian troops, follows a call made almost two months ago, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to ensuring no foreign military presence on its soil. Notably, President Muizzu, now in office, campaigned on the promise of an “India Out” approach, making the removal of Indian troops a pivotal electoral commitment.
To facilitate the troop withdrawal, both Maldives and India have established a high-level core group. This group convened its initial meeting at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male’, with Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar also participating.
Nazim confirmed the meeting’s occurrence, highlighting the agenda focused on requesting the withdrawal of troops by March 15. While the media reported on this development, the Indian government has yet to provide immediate confirmation or comment on the matter.
Also Read: Maldives President Muizzu: “No Bullying License” Amid Diplomatic Spat with India
India-Maldives Strategic Partnership
In November, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju visited the Maldives and met with the current President. According to sources in the Indian Government, both sides agreed on a practical solution to continue using Indian military platforms in the Maldives, as they are beneficial for the nation’s people.
These personnel operate radars and surveillance aircraft sponsored by India. Indian warships in the region assist in patrolling the exclusive economic zone of the Maldives. Despite its small size, the Maldives plays a crucial role in regional politics, mainly because of its strategic maritime passages in the northern and southern parts, serving as a vital toll gate in the Indian Ocean.
President Muizzu has previously acknowledged the significant role of two Indian helicopters, the Dhruv, in various emergency medical evacuations. A small group of Indian soldiers has been stationed in the Maldives for several years.
Earlier, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India’s collaboration with the Maldives aims to jointly address shared challenges and priorities.
India’s assistance and platforms have played a substantial role in public welfare, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and countering illegal maritime activities in the island nation, as per the ministry’s statement.
Shifting Dynamics Between India and China
The transition from Ibrahim Solih’s “India First” approach to distancing from India, now termed as “India Out,” didn’t happen abruptly. The shift traces back to Ibrahim Solih’s predecessor, Abdullah Yameen, who initiated an anti-India campaign in 2013, steering the Maldives closer to China.
During Ibrahim Solih’s presidency from 2018 to 2023, friendly relations with India were maintained. Social media and Maldives’ Dhiyares News played a crucial role in shaping the narrative against India during Abdullah Yameen’s tenure.
Abdullah Yameen, ineligible due to a criminal conviction and an 11-year jail term for corruption, nominated Muizzu as his successor.
Muizzu has expressed no intention to disrupt the regional balance by substituting Indian military with Chinese troops. The current Maldives President is navigating a delicate equilibrium in relationships with both India and China.
While Beijing holds significant economic interests in the Maldives and is its primary external creditor, concerns arise regarding China’s debt trap policy, raising fears that the island nation might be ensnared by this approach.
Also Read: Maldives Government Suspends 3 Ministers for Insulting PM Modi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q.1. Why did President Muizzu set a deadline for India to withdraw troops?
Ans. President Muizzu’s “India Out” approach, a pivotal electoral commitment, drives the decision to ensure no foreign military presence in the Maldives.
Q.2. What triggered the diplomatic tension between India and Maldives?
Ans. Offensive remarks against Prime Minister Modi by Maldivian ministers post his Lakshadweep visit heightened tensions, prompting Maldives to strengthen ties with China.
Q.3. What is the role of the high-level core group established by Maldives and India?
Ans. The group aims to facilitate the withdrawal of Indian troops by March 15, reflecting the current administration’s commitment and electoral promise.
Q.4. How has India supported the Maldives strategically?
Ans. Indian military platforms aid in patrolling the exclusive economic zone, emergency medical evacuations, disaster relief, and countering illegal maritime activities, reinforcing a strategic partnership.
Q.5. What are the concerns about China’s role in the Maldives?
Ans. Despite economic interests, concerns arise over China’s debt trap policy, raising fears that the Maldives may face challenges navigating between India and China.
