Male, Maldives – Amid ongoing diplomatic tensions, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel and equipment from the archipelago nation by March 15th, reports India Today. This latest development threatens to further strain the historically close India-Maldives relationship.
Pro-China Leader Fuels Tensions:
Muizzu, a pro-China leader who campaigned on an anti-India platform in last year’s elections, has long advocated for the removal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives. Soon after assuming office, he formally requested New Delhi to withdraw its forces, which currently include around 70 personnel, Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft, and two HAL Dhruv helicopters.
Campaign Promise Turned Demand:
The removal of Indian troops was a central campaign promise for Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) party. The issue was reportedly briefly discussed during a recent meeting between Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai. However, no progress appears to have been made.
Maldives Seeks “Independence” from Foreign Presence:
Muizzu has repeatedly asserted his determination to ensure Maldives remains “free” from any “foreign military presence” to safeguard its independence and sovereignty. He believes the country, due to its small size, shouldn’t be entangled in geopolitical rivalries.
India-Maldives Ties Deteriorate:
Since Muizzu took office, relations between India and the Maldives have significantly cooled. The situation worsened further after three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory comments about PM Modi during his visit to the Indian islands of Lakshadweep. These remarks sparked outrage in India and led to boycotts of Maldivian tourism by Indian citizens.
Muizzu Defiant Amid Boycotts and Opposition Victory:
Reacting to the boycotts, Muizzu declared that despite its size, Maldives “can’t be bullied.” Meanwhile, his party suffered a setback in the recent mayoral elections for the capital, Male. Opposition candidate Adam Azim secured a landslide victory, potentially signaling further challenges for Muizzu’s agenda and India-Maldives relations.
Uncertainty Ahead:
The future of the Indian military presence in the Maldives remains uncertain. Muizzu’s March 15th deadline casts a shadow over relations, potentially triggering further tensions if not addressed. Whether dialogue and diplomacy can prevail or the strain on the India-Maldives relationship continues to deepen remains to be seen.