Maldives Requests India To Withdraw Military Personnel

On Saturday, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives formally requested the withdrawal of Indian troops from the strategically positioned archipelago, delivering on a campaign promise made on his first day in office.

During a meeting with Indian Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju, President Muizzu made the formal request, urging New Delhi to bring back personnel deployed to operate three gifted aircraft patrolling the maritime territory. Although the statement from the President office did not specify a timeline or the number of personnel to be withdrawn, Muizzu had emphasized the removal of foreign troops as a top priority during his inauguration the day before.

In a televised, open-air ceremony, President Muizzu declared, "The country will not have any foreign military personnel in the Maldives. When it comes to our security, I will draw a red line. The Maldives will respect the red lines of other countries too."

While assuring that the intention was not to disrupt the regional balance by substituting Indian military presence with Chinese troops, Muizzu had earlier stated that he aimed to foster "strong ties" with China, a significant financial supporter of the Maldives. The new president, a former mayor of the capital Male and a seven-year construction minister, succeeded a pro-China predecessor who was imprisoned on corruption charges.

The Maldives, renowned for its pristine beaches and exclusive resorts, has evolved into a geopolitical focal point due to its strategic location along global east-west shipping lanes. With a chain of 1,192 coral islands stretching approximately 800 kilometers across the equator, the nation significance has grown beyond its reputation as a luxurious holiday destination.

China representation at Muizzu inauguration ceremony by State Councillor Shen Yiqin, as a special envoy of President Xi Jinping, highlighted the geopolitical dynamics, especially considering China past involvement in the Maldives during the presidency of Muizzu mentor, Abdulla Yameen, in 2014.