A diplomatic tango between India and the Maldives, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently met with his Maldivian counterpart, Moosa Zameer, in Kampala to engage in what was described as a 'frank conversation.' The discourse revolved around the bilateral ties between the two nations and the impending withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives. The meeting took place against the backdrop of simmering tensions fueled by a series of events that have strained the historically warm relations between the two nations.


The diplomatic unease began when three Maldivian ministers made 'derogatory' remarks concerning Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. This incident cast a shadow over the ties, creating a ripple effect that extended to the newly elected Maldivian President, Mohamed Muizzu. In a departure from the diplomatic norm, President Muizzu chose to visit China, bypassing India, and thereby adding fuel to the growing controversy.

Amidst these tensions, Jaishankar and Zameer's meeting in Kampala sought to address the underlying issues. The Maldives has formally requested the withdrawal of Indian troops by March 15, a request that has become a focal point in the discussions between the two nations. The stakes are high, with India viewing the Maldives as a key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region.

Jaishankar, who is representing India at the two-day summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), acknowledged the complexities of the situation. In a social media post, he stated, "Met Maldives FM @MoosaZameer today in Kampala. A frank conversation on India-Maldives ties. Also discussed NAM related issues." The photograph accompanying the post captured the intensity of the discussions, reflecting the gravity of the situation.

Zameer, on his part, described the meeting as a pleasure and shared insights into the topics discussed. "We exchanged views on the ongoing high-level discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, as well as expediting the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives, and cooperation within SAARC and NAM," he wrote in a social media update.

He emphasized the commitment of both nations to strengthening and expanding their cooperation, despite the current challenges. The 'high-level discussions' on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel took center stage, showcasing the significance of finding an amicable resolution to the issue.

The tensions escalated when President Muizzu reaffirmed his election promise to evict Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Social media became a battleground for a war of words when derogatory remarks were made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi by Maldivian leaders. In response, Muizzu urged India to withdraw its troops, setting a deadline of March 15.

As the saga unfolds, the next meeting of the "High-Level Core Group" is scheduled to take place in New Delhi early next month. The outcome of these discussions will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of India-Maldives relations in the coming days. The Maldives, a vital player in India's maritime neighborhood, holds the key to a peaceful resolution, and the diplomatic dance between the two nations continues against the backdrop of regional complexities.