A surprising turn of events, Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu declared on Sunday that India has agreed to withdraw approximately 75 Indian military personnel stationed in the island nation. This revelation comes just days after Muizzu's meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the COP28 Climate Summit in Dubai, a meeting that stirred speculation about the fate of Indian forces in the Maldives.
Muizzu's bold move aligns with his pre-election promise to reduce the Indian military's footprint in the region, a central theme of his "India Out" campaign. The decision, if confirmed, would undoubtedly be a disappointment for New Delhi, which has consistently urged the Maldives to view the presence of Indian personnel in a "proper perspective."
According to a tweet from the Maldives President's office, Muizzu claimed that the Indian government has assured the people of Maldives that it will respect their decision regarding the withdrawal of Indian troops. However, Indian government sources countered this claim, stating that discussions are still "ongoing," and a "core group" established after the Modi-Muizzu meeting will thoroughly assess the situation.
Muizzu, known for his pro-China leanings, has long been a critic of Maldives' "India first" policy. His election campaign revolved around altering this policy and reducing the small contingent of 75 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The British-educated civil engineer argued that the presence of Indian troops could potentially jeopardize the Maldives in the event of tensions between India and China along their Himalayan border.
"We will not get entangled into this," Muizzu emphasized, highlighting the Maldives' desire to remain neutral in the global power struggle. He also expressed his intention to review every agreement the Maldives signed with India, raising questions about the future of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
India has historically considered the Maldives within its sphere of influence, given the shared cultural ties and the presence of a significant Sunni Muslim population. However, concerns about China's expanding influence in the region have strained relations, making the Maldives a battleground for influence between the two Asian giants.
Muizzu's presidency has seen the implementation of Chinese-funded infrastructure projects, including the construction of 7,000 apartments and a landmark bridge connecting the capital island Male with the nearby airport island of Hulhule. This shift towards Chinese collaboration adds a new layer to the geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.
As the discussions unfold and the fate of Indian military personnel hangs in the balance, the Maldives seems poised for a recalibration of its foreign policy, potentially reshaping the regional power dynamics. The winds of change are blowing, and the implications of Muizzu's actions extend beyond the withdrawal of troops, reaching into the intricate fabric of India-Maldives relations and the broader geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean.
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