A diplomatic tango that could rival the intricacies of a traditional Maldivian dance, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has thrown down the gauntlet, urging India to withdraw its troops from the island nation by March 15. This move, disclosed by Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim, the Principal Secretary to President Muizzu on Public Policy, adds a fresh twist to the diplomatic challenges that have surfaced since Muizzu's victory in the September elections.
The announcement comes hot on the heels of the first meeting of the India-Maldives High Level Core Group, a forum established during the encounter between President Muizzu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the UN climate summit in Dubai. While diplomatic dialogues were underway, tensions between the two nations escalated, fueled by critical remarks from three junior ministers in the Maldivian administration, who took aim at Indians and Prime Minister Modi for his visit to Lakshadweep.
President Muizzu's recent five-day state visit to China has also added fuel to the fire. After agreeing to "elevate" strategic ties with Beijing, Muizzu returned, boldly declaring that the Maldives, despite its size, "will not be bullied" by anyone.
Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim, in his media conference at the Presidential Palace in Malé, made it crystal clear that Indian military personnel will no longer have the luxury of residing in the Maldives. The troops, numbering around 88, have been served notice to vacate by March 15, 2024, according to reports from Malé-based media.
However, the narratives from the two nations diverge dramatically. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement after the Core Group meeting emphasized discussions on finding a "mutually workable solution" for the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldivian people. In stark contrast, the Maldives’ Ministry of Foreign Affairs asserted that both sides had expressed a willingness to intensify cooperation and fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
The MEA, when queried about a formal request for the withdrawal of Indian soldiers, remained silent, leaving room for speculation. Rakesh Sood, a seasoned Indian diplomat, characterized Muizzu's actions as "deliberately provocative," suggesting that engaging in tit-for-tat rhetoric may not be in India's best interest. Sood emphasized the importance of letting Muizzu recognize India's relevance to the Maldives in socio-economic terms.
This demand for the withdrawal of Indian troops has been a consistent theme in President Muizzu's rhetoric, forming a crucial part of his election pledges last year. The demand surfaced once again in his inaugural address in November 2023. In December, Muizzu announced that India had "agreed" to withdraw its troops, although New Delhi has not issued any official statement to that effect.
As the diplomatic dance unfolds, the question remains: will the island nations find harmony, or will the rhythm of discord prevail? March 15 looms on the horizon as a pivotal date that could shape the future dynamics of India-Maldives relations.
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