In a significant development, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has issued a deadline for India to withdraw its military personnel from the island nation, setting March 15 as the cutoff date. This move follows Muizzu’s recent state visit to China, where ties between Maldives and India faced renewed challenges after derogatory comments were made against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The diplomatic row unfolded as three Maldivian ministers were relieved of their duties due to comments made post-Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep islands. Despite the sacking, President Muizzu asserted, “We may be small but no one has the license to bully us,” emphasizing the sovereignty of the island nation.
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, stated, “Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration.” Reports indicate that around 88 Indian troops are currently stationed in the Maldives.
This latest development comes nearly two months after President Muizzu initially called for the withdrawal of Indian troops, aligning with his election promise of an “India Out” campaign. Both countries have established a high-level core group to negotiate the withdrawal, with the group’s first meeting held at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male.
During the meeting, discussions centered on the Maldives’ request for the withdrawal of troops by March 15. The Indian side acknowledged the talks, stating that discussions covered various bilateral cooperation issues and the identification of steps to enhance the partnership. The statement also mentioned efforts to find a “mutually workable solution” to continue the operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medvac services to the Maldives.
Despite the shifting dynamics, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that India’s cooperation with the Maldives is based on jointly addressing shared challenges and priorities. The statement highlighted India’s significant contributions to public welfare, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combating illegal maritime activities in the Maldives.
The change in Maldives’ approach from the “India First” policy under Ibrahim Solih to the current “India Out” stance is not abrupt. The nation’s ties with India had previously shifted under Abdullah Yameen’s leadership, who sought closer relations with China. President Muizzu has expressed his intention to strike a delicate balance between India and China, as the island nation navigates economic interests and potential concerns related to China’s debt trap policy.
Sources By Agencies