MALE, Maldives – In a formal request issued on November 18, the recently elected government of Maldives has requested India to withdraw its military personnel stationed on the island-country’s soil, according to an official statement.
The request was made by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu during a meeting with Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju in Malé. The president acknowledged the contribution of Indian helicopters and aircraft in the medical evacuation of Maldivian citizens and their role in monitoring and combating drug trafficking.
It was emphasized that the withdrawal of Indian troops in Maldives was one of the major issues in the tightly contested presidential elections held in September. President Muizzu, who successfully challenged the incumbent president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had promised to ensure the removal of Indian troops and maintain geopolitical neutrality if elected.
During the 2021 statement, the Maldivian defense force mentioned that approximately 75 Indian military personnel were stationed in the country to maintain and operate an aircraft provided as aid in 2020.
The opposition coalition led by Muizzu had an “India Out” campaign, aiming to pressure the Solih government on the issue. There were speculations that the new president might shift Maldives towards the pro-China camp. However, Muizzu has reiterated his commitment to maintaining cordial relations with both New Delhi and Beijing, ruling out the possibility of facilitating the presence of Chinese troops in the Indian Ocean archipelago.
“Maldives is too small to be entangled in geopolitical rivalry,” President Muizzu stated, emphasizing his disinterest in engaging Maldivian foreign policy in such matters.
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