Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has formally called on India to withdraw its troops from the Maldives by 15 March. This was announced by Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President’s Office, following President Muizzu’s recent visit to China. The move signals a significant shift in geopolitical dynamics and reflects growing diplomatic tensions between the two nations.
As per the latest government figures, there are currently 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim emphasized that this decision aligns with President Muizzu’s policy and the stance of the current administration, stating, “Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives.”
To facilitate the withdrawal, Maldives and India have established a high-level core group, which held its inaugural meeting at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male. The meeting involved discussions on the withdrawal process and was attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar.
The historical context of India’s military presence in the Maldives dates back to November 1988 when Indian soldiers intervened to thwart a coup, at the request of then President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom. Over the years, the relationship between the two nations evolved positively. However, recent strains began surfacing in 2020, coinciding with a pro-China shift in Maldivian leadership under Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom since 2018?
Diplomatic tensions escalated further after three Maldivian ministers made “derogatory” remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to their suspension and a subsequent ‘Boycott Maldives’ campaign in India.
President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, reiterated his commitment to removing all Indian troops from the island during his presidential campaign. Following his recent state visit to China, he emphasized a desire to align the Maldives more closely with Beijing, seeking increased tourism and expressing discontent with India.
In a press statement, President Muizzu indirectly criticized India, stating, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.” He announced plans to reduce the country’s dependency on India, addressing concerns over external influence on domestic affairs. Additionally, Male is reviewing over 100 bilateral agreements signed with New Delhi by the previous government.
Muizzu emphasized that the Indian Ocean “does not belong” to any particular country and that the Maldives “is not in anyone’s backyard.”
The situation remains fluid as India has not officially responded to the withdrawal request, leaving uncertainties about the future of their diplomatic relationship and regional dynamics.
