Amid escalating tensions between India and the Maldives, reports have emerged suggesting that Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago have begun withdrawing, in response to an order from Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.
According to local media outlet Mihaaru, 25 Indian troops deployed in the southernmost atoll of Addu have departed from the Maldives as of Sunday. This development comes weeks after President Muizzu’s directive for India to withdraw all Indian military personnel from the island nation, with a reported deadline set for May 10.
While there has been no official confirmation from either the Maldives or Indian authorities regarding the withdrawal, the move underscores the strained relations between the two countries. In January, President Muizzu had called for the removal of all Indian military personnel from the Maldives, citing his close ties with China.
The deterioration in India-Maldives relations has been evident since Muizzu assumed office, marked by a pledge to remove Indian security personnel deployed to patrol the Maldives’ maritime borders. The rift deepened further in January amidst controversy sparked by racist remarks made by some Maldivian ministers targeting India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiatives in the region.
India responded to the derogatory comments by voicing its concerns to Male, prompting the Maldivian government to distance itself from the remarks and take action against the ministers involved. However, the underlying tensions persisted, exacerbated by President Muizzu’s anti-India rhetoric and the subsequent order for Indian military withdrawal.
The situation remains fluid as both countries navigate through diplomatic channels to address the escalating tensions. The withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives reflects a significant development in the ongoing geopolitical dynamics of the region, with implications for regional security and strategic alliances.
Sources By Agencies