Indian Troop Withdrawal
MALE: In a significant development, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has issued a firm deadline, demanding the Indian Troop Withdrawal from the archipelago by March 15. This move comes nearly two months after President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, formally requested India to remove its troops, aligning it with the mandate given to him by the Maldivian people.
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the Public Policy Secretary at the President’s Office, reiterated the administration’s unwavering position, stating, “Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration.”
According to the latest government figures, there are currently 88 Indian military personnel in the Maldives. A high-level core group, established by both nations, convened its first meeting at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male on Sunday to negotiate the troop withdrawal.
Diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives have heightened, sparked by derogatory comments made by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments resulted in the dismissal of the ministers, escalating the already strained relationship.
President Muizzu’s recent state visit to China, marking an upgrade in diplomatic ties with Beijing, adds complexity to the evolving situation. The call for the withdrawal of Indian troops aligns with Muizzu’s election promise and his “India Out” campaign, reflecting a departure from the previous administration’s “India First” policy.
The international community closely watches the unfolding developments, as the March 15 deadline approaches. The negotiation process between the high-level core group will play a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectory of diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives.
