Muizzu Requests Withdrawal of Indian Military Personnel by March 15, Discussions to Follow

In a significant development, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has formally requested India to withdraw all Indian military personnel deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelago by March 15. The request was made during the first meeting of a high-level core group established by both countries to address this matter. New Delhi has responded by acknowledging the demand, expressing a commitment to further discussions on the issue.

Key Points:

• Withdrawal Deadline: President Muizzu conveyed the request during the meeting in Male, specifying that all Indian military personnel must be withdrawn by mid-March. The demand aligns with the policy set by President Muizzu and his administration, emphasizing that Indian military personnel cannot stay in the Maldives.
• Civilized and Diplomatic Withdrawal: Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, principal secretary to the Maldivian president, highlighted that the talks demonstrate the government’s intention to handle the withdrawal of Indian troops in a civilized and diplomatic manner without jeopardizing the relationship between the two nations.
• Discussion on Humanitarian Services: A statement issued by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that discussions revolved around finding a mutually workable solution to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldives.
• Bilateral Cooperation: Both sides discussed issues related to bilateral cooperation and identified steps to enhance the partnership, including the expedited implementation of ongoing development cooperation projects. The high-level core group agreed to hold the next meeting in India on a mutually convenient date.
• Background and Bilateral Relations: The meeting took place against the backdrop of strained bilateral relations since the election of President Muizzu, who has sought to strengthen ties with China. Recent measures announced by Muizzu, including calls for India to withdraw military personnel, have signaled a shift in the Maldives’ traditional dependence on India.
• Expanded Healthcare and Agricultural Agreements: President Muizzu announced the expansion of the Maldives’ universal healthcare insurance scheme, now covering treatment in India, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and Thailand. Agreements with China were also revealed for a 100-bed hospital and essential facilities for health center laboratories across 17 islands.
• Chinese Assistance: President Muizzu disclosed that China would provide 920 million yuan in free aid to the Maldives, with agreements signed for the construction of 30,000 social housing units and a commercial district in Hulhumalé.
• Trade Diversification: In an effort to reduce dependence on a single country for imported staple foods, Muizzu announced agreements with Turkey for importing rice, sugar, and wheat. Medicines will be sourced from manufacturers in Europe and the US.

This development marks a critical juncture in the evolving dynamics between India and the Maldives, with diplomatic discussions anticipated to address the concerns raised by President Muizzu.