Maldives President Requests Withdrawal of Indian Military Presence
Image Source: Moneycontrol
Just a day after taking office, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives formally requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the country. The request was made during a meeting between President Muizzu and Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, who was present in the Maldives for the presidential inauguration.
Approximately 70 Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives are responsible for operating radars, surveillance aircraft, and supporting anti-drug trafficking and medical evacuation efforts. President Muizzu acknowledged the Indian military’s valuable role in facilitating medical evacuations of Maldivian citizens and boosting confidence among international tourists in remote island stays.
During discussions, both parties agreed to engage in further dialogues to find practical solutions for ongoing collaboration, specifically utilizing the platforms provided by Indian military assistance. This mutual understanding is aimed at serving the best interests of the Maldivian people.
Notably, the removal of foreign troops was a key promise made by Muizzu during his election campaign. In his inaugural address, he affirmed this commitment, stating that the Maldives would not host any foreign military personnel, asserting the country’s sovereignty in matters of security.
Despite perceptions of pro-China inclinations, President Muizzu clarified that his objective wasn’t to replace Indian military presence with Chinese troops. He emphasized that the Maldives, being a small nation, aims to avoid entanglement in geopolitical rivalries and prefers to maintain a balanced foreign policy stance.
The move to withdraw Indian military presence aligns with President Muizzu’s electoral promises but is also accompanied by efforts to ensure ongoing security cooperation while avoiding unnecessary geopolitical entanglements.
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- Harshit Tokas is a Political Science and International Affairs Post-Graduate with a passion for understanding and analyzing complex political landscapes. Skilled in research, data analysis, and policy development. Eager to contribute his knowledge and insights to drive positive change.
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