Maldives President Urges Indian Troop Withdrawal by March 15 Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Maldives President Urges Indian Troop Withdrawal by March 15 Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Asif Iqbal | January 14, 2024 | 06:46 PM IST | India, Maldives, Politics | Follow on Google News

Maldives President Urges Indian Troop Withdrawal by March 15 Amid Diplomatic Tensions.image/ANI

Maldives President Urges Indian Troop Withdrawal by March 15 Amid Diplomatic Tensions

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has reportedly urged the Indian government to withdraw its troops from the island nation by March 15, as per a report by the Maldives-based Adhadhu newspaper on Sunday.

The request followed a meeting between officials from the Indian High Commission in the Maldives and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Male. Abdulla Nazim, the Policy Director of the Maldives President’s Office, conveyed that President Muizzu proposed the withdrawal of Indian troops during the meeting. Nazim stated at a press conference that discussions were underway regarding this proposal, and the suggested date for the withdrawal was March 15.

Although the Ministry of External Affairs has not issued any statement on the reported meeting, Nazim emphasized that Indian troops cannot remain in the Maldives, aligning with the government’s policy and the desires of the people.

“The most important point is that Indian troops cannot stay in this country. That is the policy of this government. That is the promise of President Mohammed Muizzu and what the people want,” Nazim asserted.

The meeting included the participation of Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, some senior Indian officials, Chief of Staff of the Maldives President’s Office Abdulla Fayaz, Ambassador at Large Ali Naseer, Maldives Ambassador to India Ibrahim Shaheeb, and Chief of Defense Force Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef.

Notably, the removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was a central campaign promise of President Muizzu’s party. As of now, approximately 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, are stationed in the Maldives.

President Muizzu formally requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel on the second day of assuming office. In December of the previous year, Muizzu claimed that an agreement had been reached with the Indian government for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, following a diplomatic row over disparaging remarks made by some Maldivian officials during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep.

Despite the tensions, several Maldivian politicians, including former presidents and ministers, reaffirmed the significance of India as a close and crucial partner for the island nation. President Muizzu’s recent state visit to China at the invitation of President Xi Jinping adds a geopolitical context to the evolving dynamics in the region.

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Asif Iqbal

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