New Delhi: In the ongoing process of substituting its military personnel stationed in the Maldives with civilians, pursuant to a bilateral agreement, India faces a recent assertion from Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. He boldly declares that, even when attired in civilian garb, “Indian troops” shall find no sanctuary within his nation after May 10.
Addressing a residential community at Baa atoll Eydhafushi on Monday, Muizzu expressed definitively, “Come May 10, there will be no Indian troops in the country. Neither in uniform nor in civilian attire. The Indian military presence, in any sartorial manifestation, shall not endure on our soil. I declare this with unwavering confidence.”
Muizzu, identified as pro-China, secured victory in the previous year’s presidential election on a vehemently anti-India platform. His ‘India Out’ campaign specifically called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, numbering less than 100, involved in humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation, operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.
During his electoral campaign, Muizzu asserted that over 1,000 Indian military personnel posed a threat to Maldives’ sovereignty. Upon assuming office in November last year, he formally requested India’s withdrawal of these personnel.
Following deliberations by a high-level group convened for this purpose, it was decided that civilian Indian personnel would replace the military contingent across three platforms. The first batch arrived in the Maldives in late February, with subsequent batches scheduled for replacement by May 10.
However, Muizzu’s recent claim that “Indian troops” won’t be tolerated, even in civilian guise, adds strain to the already tenuous relations between New Delhi and Male.
Per the Edition.mv report, the Maldivian Opposition criticizes the Muizzu administration, contending that Indian civilians sent are covert military officials, and the government lacks means to verify otherwise.
Muizzu, addressing doubts during his speech at Eydhafushi, remarked, “We must not entertain thoughts that sow doubt and spread falsehoods. These individuals, transitioning from military to civilian attire, are indeed departing.”
India-Maldives relations plummeted as Muizzu pursued anti-India foreign policy measures. Beyond demanding military withdrawal, Maldives declined to renew a hydrography agreement with India, citing national security concerns. Additionally, it permitted a Chinese vessel’s entry into its waters, disregarding Indian objections.
In January this year, a political dispute erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi promoted Lakshadweep as a tourism destination. Some Maldivian politicians perceived this as a challenge to their tourism industry, sparking racist remarks against Indians. Social media backlash ensued, leading to the suspension of three junior ministers.
In a departure from precedent, Muizzu visited China, and further escalating tensions, targeted the health sector. Aasandha, the Maldives’ health insurance scheme, previously limited to India and Sri Lanka, is now exploring ties with Thailand and the UAE.
Amidst regional complexities, India, adhering to the Neighbourhood First Policy, must vigilantly navigate its relationship with the strategically significant Maldives. The recent defense cooperation agreement between the Maldives and China adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitical landscape.