India Hasn't Told Defence Personnel To Pull Out From Maldives : Navy Chief

Defense News ,India :- India’s Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral R. Hari Kumar, clarified on Thursday that the Indian government has not directed its defense personnel to withdraw from the Maldives despite a formal request from Male, as reported by CNN-News18.

The bilateral relations between India and the Maldives have faced tension following the election victory of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu last year. President Muizzu had campaigned on ending the "India First" policy and later advocated for the withdrawal of Indian troops by March 15.

Observers view Muizzu's decisions as a strategic shift away from India, signaling an intent to foster closer ties with China. This move unfolds in a geopolitical context where New Delhi and Beijing actively vie for influence in the region.

Admiral Kumar stated, "We await instructions; whatever is the decision," in response to queries about the potential return of defense personnel from the Maldives. He added that as of now, New Delhi has not communicated any directives to the navy regarding the matter.

Approximately 80 Indian soldiers are currently stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago nation, tasked with providing support for military equipment supplied to Male by New Delhi and assisting in various humanitarian activities. The evolving situation in the Maldives raises questions about the geopolitical alignments in the region and the potential ramifications for India's strategic interests.