Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu announced on Monday that India will withdraw its military personnel from the Indian Ocean archipelago before May 10. The decision comes after the recent meeting of the India-Maldives core group where Male had previously stated that India had agreed to replace its military staff. Muizzu also revealed that the Maldivian government has officially communicated that it will not renew the agreement enabling foreign nations to measure and map Maldivian oceans and coastlines. The Maldives had earlier declared that it was walking out of the agreement with India, which allowed the Indian Navy to carry out hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters.
Muizzu addressed the Parliament, stating that the diplomatic negotiations for the withdrawal of Indian troops were underway. As per the agreement in the latest negotiations, the military personnel on one of the three aviation platforms would be withdrawn before March 10, and the military personnel on the remaining two platforms would be withdrawn before May 10. The President’s office stated that the majority of Maldivian citizens supported the administration’s pledge to withdraw foreign military troops, recover lost Maldivian territory, and terminate any agreements that undermine the country’s sovereignty.
Relations between India and the Maldives have been strained due to developments related to defence and maritime cooperation. The recent controversy over the alleged interception of a Maldivian fishing boat by Indian authorities within the Maldives’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) further contributed to the tension. The Maldivian Defence Ministry sought an explanation from India, accusing Indian troops of breaching international maritime laws and regulations.
In Parliament, an emergency motion was introduced, targeting the government for its failure to handle the incident and for not raising the issue strongly with India. Muizzu emphasized the necessity for the Maldives to strengthen its military capabilities across terrestrial, aerial, and maritime domains as part of a comprehensive defense strategy. The President’s office highlighted that the nation’s defense force is close to achieving round-the-clock surveillance capabilities over its 900,000 sq km Exclusive Economic Zone.
The announcement of the Indian troops withdrawal has raised significant interest, highlighting the dynamic between the two countries. The withdrawal is expected to have an impact on regional geopolitics and will likely be closely monitored by other countries with interests in the Indian Ocean region.
