India Completes Military Withdrawal From Maldives: India has completed the withdrawal of its military personnel from the Maldives, a significant move that fulfills one of President Mohamed Muizzu’s major campaign promises. This event marks a notable shift in India-Maldives relations, especially considering his perceived pro-China stance. The final batch of troops left the Maldives a day before the deadline of 10th May 2024.
Background and Strained Relations
Strained Relations and Military Presence: The request for the withdrawal of Indian military forces came after India-Maldives relations became tense. President Mohamed Muizzu insisted on the removal of Indian military personnel who managed and operated three significant military platforms gifted by India—two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. These assets had been part of a broader Indian initiative to assist in regional security and development but became points of contention under the new leadership in the Maldives.
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Stepwise Withdrawal: The process of repatriation was conducted in stages, starting with the initial batch of military personnel in early March, followed by a second group in April. The final departure, completing the withdrawal of what was officially counted as 89 Indian soldiers, occurred just before the stipulated deadline.
Maldives-India Military Relations
Background on Maldives-India military relations: The Maldives and India have had a robust relationship emphasizing strategic, military, and security cooperation. This partnership is crucial given the Maldives’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean, which is vital for maritime lanes that are essential for international trade. India has historically played a key role in the security of the Maldives, including Operation Cactus in 1988, when Indian forces helped thwart a coup in the Maldives.
China’s Angle in India-Maldives Relations
China Angle in India-Maldives Relations: The China angle in India-Maldives relations has become increasingly prominent in recent years, especially following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in 2022. Under Muizzu’s leadership, Maldives has been moving closer to China, marking a significant departure from the pro-India stance of his predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This shift is evident from Muizzu’s “India Out” campaign, which aimed to remove Indian troops from Maldivian soil.
Military assistance from China: The recent agreement between the Maldives and China regarding military assistance is a clear indication of the growing ties between the two nations. Although the specifics of the deal have not been disclosed, it is being provided free of cost by China, which suggests a strategic move to enhance its influence in the region.
Withdrawal of Indian troops: President Mohamed Muizzu set a deadline for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, which has been now completed in stages by 10th May 2024. This move is seen as an assertion of Maldives’ sovereignty and an attempt to distance itself from India’s influence.
Strategic location: Maldives’ geographic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a strategically important nation, as it lies along crucial shipping lanes. Both India and China have been vying for influence in the region, with India traditionally considering it as part of its sphere of influence due to their historical and economic ties.
Conclusion
The recent developments in India-Maldives relations, with the latter leaning more towards China, highlight the ongoing geopolitical competition between India and China in the Indian Ocean region. As Maldives continues to balance its relations with both nations, the dynamics of this tussle are likely to evolve further.