The newly elected President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has sent shockwaves through the region by demanding the removal of Indian troops from the country. In an exclusive interview with BBC News, President Muizzu stated unequivocally that “every single Indian military personnel here should be removed.” This bold demand is expected to trigger diplomatic tensions between Malé and Delhi, as India has played a significant role in providing development assistance to the Maldives and has sought a strategic foothold in this vital Indian Ocean region.
For years, the Maldives has been under India’s sphere of influence, but President Muizzu’s administration appears to be favoring closer ties with China. China has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in the Maldives through loans and grants, primarily directed toward infrastructure and development projects. The Maldives’ pivot towards China has raised concerns within India, given the strategic location of these islands in the Indian Ocean.
India’s presence in the Maldives, however, has not come without its share of challenges. Indian military personnel stationed in the country have been responsible for operating and maintaining reconnaissance aircraft, provided by India for search and rescue missions and medical evacuations. This dual role of providing aid while maintaining a military presence has been a source of tension between the two countries.
President Muizzu’s demand comes at a time when India is facing escalating tensions with China along their Himalayan border. He believes that the Maldives, as a small nation, should avoid getting entangled in this global power struggle and that the continued presence of Indian troops could potentially jeopardize the Maldives’ security.
President Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian troops is expected to have far-reaching diplomatic implications. India has been a significant contributor to the development of the Maldives, and its presence has been a key aspect of the bilateral relationship. However, with the Maldives seemingly seeking closer ties with China, the geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean is shifting.
The presence of Indian troops, primarily involved in humanitarian missions, has been a point of contention, and President Muizzu’s administration seems to view it as a risk to the Maldives. As a result, the future of India’s role in the Maldives remains uncertain, with diplomatic negotiations on the horizon.
Resources:
1.https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-67166425