Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, recognized for his pro-China stance, declared on Monday that the first group of Indian troops would exit the Maldives before March 10, with the remaining two contingents set to depart by May 10. This move aligns with Muizzu’s election promises to safeguard the freedom and sovereignty of the Maldivian people by withdrawing foreign troops from the nation.
Muizzu, known for his tilt towards China, emphasized his commitment to “recover the lost part of Maldives seas and cancel any agreement made by the state that could undermine Maldives sovereignty.” The withdrawal of Indian troops had been a central pledge during Muizzu’s election campaign, positioning him against New Delhi, India’s strategic ally.
During his presidential address, Muizzu expressed his intention to enhance the Maldives military’s capability to maintain the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the clock, reinforcing the nation’s sovereignty. This move reflects the president’s emphasis on prioritizing the interests of the Maldivian people.
However, the president faced opposition from 56 Members of Parliament, including 13 from the Democrats and 44 from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), who boycotted his address in protest against what they perceived as undemocratic government practices. These political groups had recently accused Muizzu of adopting an anti-India stance.
Following discussions with New Delhi last week, the Maldives foreign ministry revealed an agreement wherein India would replace military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by March 10, 2024. This development comes after decades of India being the closest ally of the Maldives, signaling a geopolitical shift since Muizzu assumed power.
Tensions between India and the Maldives escalated last month when a Maldivian minister made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. In response, India lodged a formal protest, and celebrities urged a boycott of the Maldives, impacting its tourism-dependent economy. Within three weeks of the boycott calls, India became the fifth-largest market for Maldivian exports.
In a diplomatic move, Muizzu visited China last month, requesting an influx of Chinese tourists. This gesture was interpreted as a strategic move aimed at India amidst the economic repercussions of the tourism boycott. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives signifies a noteworthy shift in the region’s alliances and underscores the complexities of international relations.
