Newly sworn-in Maldives President, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from Maldivian soil, fulfilling a key election promise. The request was conveyed during a meeting with India’s Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, who represented India at the presidential inauguration. Despite Muizzu’s pro-China stance, both countries aim to find a “workable solution,” as stated in an official release from the Maldives President’s office.
Muizzu, who prioritized the removal of foreign military presence during his election campaign, reiterated his commitment after taking the oath, emphasizing the preservation of Maldives’ independence and sovereignty. India’s Ministry of External Affairs highlighted the collaborative efforts between the two nations in addressing shared challenges and priorities. The statement emphasized India’s significant contributions in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, combating illegal maritime activities, and medical evacuations, saving hundreds of Maldivian lives.
India has played a crucial role in safeguarding Maldives’ maritime security, conducting multifaceted missions and acting as the first responder in disaster scenarios, including the COVID-19 pandemic. While seeking to strengthen ties with Beijing, the Maldives’ new leader underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region.
The Indian side acknowledges the importance of resolving this issue amicably, reflecting the historical cooperation between the two nations. As the diplomatic dialogue unfolds, the future relationship will likely shape the strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. The withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, once a collaborative partner in security and disaster response, marks a significant development with potential implications for regional geopolitics.