President Mohamad Muizzu of the Maldives made it clear that no Indian troops, whether in uniform or civilian clothing, will be permitted to enter the island nation after May 10. This statement was made following the arrival of an Indian civilian team to take over one of the aviation platforms in the Maldives earlier than the agreed deadline of March 10 for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. President Muizzu addressed the community in Baa atoll Eydhafushi, emphasizing that rumors about the expulsion of Indian troops were false. He stated that Indian military personnel were simply changing into civilian clothing and would not be leaving the country. President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, assured that there would be no Indian troops present in the Maldives after May 10, regardless of their attire.
Muizzu emphasized the utmost importance of achieving true independence, stating that his government is dedicated to reclaiming the southern maritime area and removing Indian troops from the Maldives. He expressed confidence in accomplishing this goal, attributing the delay to unfavorable procedures that were implemented without parliamentary approval, in violation of the Constitution. This statement from Muizzu comes amidst a diplomatic dispute sparked by derogatory remarks made by Maldivian politicians regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep in January, which strained relations between the two countries. Currently, there are 88 military personnel stationed on three Indian platforms, providing essential humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldivian people through two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.
Following a high-level meeting in Delhi on February 2 between the two sides, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry announced that India would withdraw its military personnel from the three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10, with the first phase of the process expected to be completed by March 10.
Muizzu, who is widely perceived as a pro-China leader, assumed office as President in November last year and had promised to have Indian military personnel removed from the island nation.
According to reports by Edition.mv, the initial troops to leave the country will be the Indian military personnel operating the two helicopters in Addu City, with those stationed in Haa Dhaalu atoll Hanimaadhoo and Laamu atoll Kahdhoo also scheduled to depart before May 10.
India had agreed to the withdrawal of its troops from the Maldives on the condition that a corresponding number of Indian civilians would be brought in to operate the aircraft.
Given the Maldives’ close proximity to India, being just 70 nautical miles away from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the mainland’s western coast, as well as its strategic location at the center of commercial sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the country holds significant strategic importance.
The Maldives has long been a crucial maritime neighbor for India in the IOR and plays a key role in initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighborhood First Policy.