MALE, Maldives - In a significant development, the newly elected Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu, has formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the archipelago nation. The request, made during a meeting with India's Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, marks a shift in the Maldives' stance on foreign military presence and highlights the growing geopolitical tensions in the region.
Muizzu, who assumed office on Friday, has been a vocal critic of India's military presence in the Maldives, viewing it as an infringement on the country's sovereignty. During his campaign, he pledged to withdraw all foreign troops stationed in the Maldives, a promise that resonated with many Maldivians who harbor concerns about the country's increasing dependence on India.
The Maldivian government's statement on the request for withdrawal highlighted the importance of respecting the "democratic will of the people" and expressed hope that India would honor this sentiment. The statement also emphasized the desire to maintain strong bilateral ties with India, suggesting that the Maldives' decision is not aimed at severing relations but rather at asserting its independence.
India, on the other hand, has maintained that its military presence in the Maldives is solely for the purpose of assisting with security and counterterrorism efforts. India has been a key partner in the Maldives' development, providing significant financial assistance and infrastructure support. However, the growing perception of India as an overly assertive power in the region has raised concerns among some Maldivians.
The Maldives' request for withdrawal is likely to test the diplomatic relationship between the two countries. India, while acknowledging the Maldivian government's decision, has indicated that it will engage in discussions to find a "mutually acceptable solution." The outcome of these discussions will have significant implications for the future of India's strategic engagement in the Indian Ocean region.
