Maldives Sets Deadline for India to Withdraw Troops

Amidst escalating tensions, the Maldivian government has set a March 15 deadline for India to withdraw its military personnel from the country. The announcement follows a recent indirect criticism of India by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who expressed concerns about "bullying."

During the first meeting of the India-Maldives high-level core group in Male, a senior official from the Muizzu government, Ahmed Nazim, stated that the proposal for the removal of Indian troops by March 15 was put forth by the Maldivian delegation. The discussions on this matter are ongoing, highlighting the complexity of the diplomatic situation.

Local media reports quote Nazim reaffirming the policy of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, stating that Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives. The March 15 deadline, however, was not explicitly mentioned in statements issued by India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) or the Maldives Foreign Office.

The MEA confirmed the core group's first meeting, emphasizing discussions on bilateral cooperation, ongoing development projects, and finding a mutually workable solution for the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms offering humanitarian and medical services to the Maldivian people.

Reports indicate that the Indian side, represented by High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, Deputy High Commissioner Mayank Singh, and senior officials from the Indian Navy and Coast Guard, engaged in discussions that continued until late afternoon.

Currently, there are 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. The strained relations between the two nations began when President Muizzu, soon after taking office, formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel, citing a strong mandate from the Maldivian people.

The recent diplomatic row emerged after three deputy ministers in the Maldivian government made derogatory comments on social media against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In response, India summoned the Maldivian envoy in New Delhi, expressing its displeasure over the comments.

President Muizzu, during his state visit to China, indirectly criticized India, stating, "We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us." He expressed plans to reduce dependency on India, seeking alternative sources for essential imports.

As the diplomatic tensions persist, Male is also reviewing over 100 bilateral agreements with New Delhi signed by the previous government. China, in support of the Maldives, issued a joint statement firmly opposing external interference and expressing mutual support in safeguarding core interests.

The India-Maldives core group, established after a meeting between Modi and Muizzu, aims to address bilateral issues. However, the March 15 deadline and the overall diplomatic strain underscore the complexity of the evolving relationship between the two nations.