In a significant development, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has formally requested India to withdraw all Indian military personnel stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago by March 15. This demand was made during the inaugural meeting of a high-level core group established by both nations to address the issue.
Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the principal secretary to the Maldivian president, conveyed President Muizzu’s directive during the meeting in Male, emphasizing the need for a peaceful and diplomatic resolution. This marks the 12th meeting discussing the withdrawal of Indian troops, demonstrating the government’s commitment to handling the matter in a civilized manner without jeopardizing the bilateral relationship.
The external affairs ministry released a statement indicating that both sides engaged in discussions to find a mutually workable solution, allowing the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldivian people. Currently, 77 Indian military personnel operate two helicopters and an aircraft, conducting numerous medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.
Additionally, the discussions encompassed issues related to bilateral cooperation, focusing on expediting ongoing development projects to enhance the partnership between the two countries. The statement further announced that the next meeting of the high-level core group would take place in India on a mutually convenient date.
The establishment of the high-level core group was agreed upon during a meeting between President Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in December, against the backdrop of strained relations following Muizzu’s election victory and his efforts to strengthen ties with China.
Despite the recent downturn in relations, both sides expressed their commitment to resolving the matter through diplomatic channels. President Muizzu, known for his “India out” platform, has consistently called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, signaling a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy.
In the context of recent developments, Muizzu announced measures aimed at reducing dependence on India in critical sectors, including healthcare and food security. These measures include the expansion of the universal health care insurance scheme to cover treatment in the UAE and Thailand, as well as agreements with China to facilitate the construction of a 100-bed hospital and support agricultural growth.
The Maldivian president emphasized the importance of diversified partnerships and asserted the nation’s independence in the Indian Ocean. The recent diplomatic row involving junior Maldivian ministers posting derogatory remarks against India further strained bilateral relations, leading to a call for a boycott of the Maldives on Indian social media.
