According to local media Edition, Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu announced that Indian military personnel stationed at the second platform departed from the Maldives last Thursday. However, there has been no confirmation from the Indian side regarding this matter so far. The President also confirmed that the remaining batch of Indian military personnel will depart from the Maldives as per the agreed date, which is by May 10.
President Muizzu was quoted by the report as saying, “There is only one platform left. As the two countries have already signed, they [the remaining Indian military personnel will also be recalled ahead of May 10. They will leave.”
He further stated, “So that pledge is fulfilled, isn’t it? All foreign military here will leave before May 10. So any pledge I make, I will work to fulfill to the greatest extent.” President Muizzu made these remarks during a campaign rally ahead of the April 21 Parliamentary Election in the Maldives.
The initial batch of 25 Indian troops had reportedly departed from the island nation around March 13.
Following his assumption of the Maldives presidency, Muizzu had in January this year requested India to withdraw military troops stationed in the Maldives. He had also set May 10 as the deadline for the complete withdrawal of the troops.
The agreement between Maldives and India aimed to replace the Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives — tasked with overseeing the operations of military aircraft — with trained civilians, also from India.
However, Muizzu later announced that no Indian military personnel, including those in civilian attire, would be allowed in his country after May 10. According to reports, India operated and maintained radars, helicopters, and aircraft in the Maldives, with approximately 70 Indian military personnel stationed there.
In early April, Muizzu had underscored the presence of Indian troops on three platforms in the Maldives. Maldives’ PSM News quoted him as stating that the withdrawal of foreign troops from the Maldives is being “pursued in accordance with diplomatic norms and principles”.
Territorial Sovereignty
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin expressed support for the Maldives in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty during a briefing in Beijing on Tuesday. He emphasized China’s backing for the Maldives in fostering friendly exchanges and cooperation with all parties on the foundation of its independence and autonomy.
India remains wary of China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in the Maldives, as well as in neighboring Sri Lanka.
New Delhi views the Indian Ocean archipelago as within its sphere of influence, but the Maldives has gravitated towards China, its largest external creditor.
Muizzu, who visited Beijing in January and inked various infrastructure, energy, marine, and agricultural agreements, has denied intentions of altering the regional balance by replacing Indian troops with Chinese forces.
In response, India inaugurated a new naval base on Lakshadweep, approximately 130km (80 miles) north of the Maldives, citing strategic significance. The Indian Navy’s INS Jatayu unit stationed on the island of Minicoy will enhance “operational surveillance” in the region. This move is crucial for India’s efforts in securing maritime traffic passage through the Indian Ocean, with the new base aiding its surveillance endeavors.