Following through on a campaign promise, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has made a formal request to New Delhi to remove its military personnel from the island nation by March 15, 2024.
Maldivian President Orders Indian Troops Out By March 15
This development marks a potential turning point in the traditionally close relationship between India and Maldives. The Maldivian government cited the presence of 88 Indian military personnel as a violation of their national sovereignty.
Earlier, Mohamed Muizzu had hinted at frustrations with India’s influence, stating during a recent trip to China, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us.” Further, he outlined plans to diversify Maldives’ economic partnerships to reduce dependence on its neighbour.
India and Maldives have set up a High-Level Core Group to negotiate the withdrawal of troops. “Both sides held discussions on finding mutually workable solution to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
