India currently maintains approximately 80 troops in the Maldives, offering vital humanitarian aid and facilitating medical evacuation operations.
In a reaffirmation of his anti-India stance, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu asserted during today’s parliamentary session that the sovereignty of the island nation remains paramount and inviolable. Muizzu asserted that there will be no tolerance for external interference or invade on Maldives’ autonomy. According to local media outlets, an agreement has been reached between New Delhi and Male, stipulating the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives.
President Muizzu outlined that Indian troops stationed at one of the three aviation platforms in the Maldives will depart by March 10, with the remaining contingents scheduled to exit by May 10.
Emphasising national sovereignty, Muizzu declared that the Maldives will not extend the agreement allowing India to survey the country’s internal and underwater territories. The President underscored the nation’s resolve to resist external interference, asserting its independence on the global stage.
Parliamentary Dynamic Opposition, Maldives
Boycott and Impeachment Proposal
The parliamentary address by President Muizzu witnessed notable absentees, with both the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats opting to boycott the session. Only 24 members of parliament attended the speech, while a significant majority of 56 elected officials abstained from the proceedings.
Reports from local sources indicate that MDP and Democrats are actively exploring a proposal for President Muizzu’s impeachment. India currently maintains 87 troops in the Maldives, primarily tasked with providing humanitarian aid and facilitating medical evacuations. President Muizzu’s administration has consistently emphasised reducing Indian influence in Maldivian affairs, with the presence of Indian soldiers emerging as a contentious issue since his assumption of office.
Earlier reports from Reuters suggested that both parties had reached an agreement on the withdrawal of troops during a meeting in New Delhi. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that the two nations have agreed on a series of practical solutions to ensure the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms, which offer critical humanitarian services in the Maldives. According to Reuters, civilian personnel will replace the departing soldiers.
President Muizzu’s anti-India stance has faced domestic criticism, particularly amidst the government’s efforts to strengthen ties with China. Following his inauguration, President Muizzu embarked on a visit to China, where he held discussions with President Xi Jinping. This marked a significant departure from the Maldives’ historically close relationship with India and underscored shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.
Critically, these opposition factions have condemn President Muizzu for his decision , particularly regarding the call for the withdrawal of Indian troops and his diplomatic engagement with China, seemingly sidelining India.
Constitutionally mandated, the President’s address to Parliament is pivotal, as it outlines the nation’s status and offers recommendations for progress and development.
Diplomatic Resolution Efforts
India’s Response and Potential Solutions
Recently, two opposition parties in the Maldives expressed strong dissent against the current administration’s perceived shift away from India, citing concerns over its implications.
In an exclusive conversation with India Today Executive Director Rahul Kanwal, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the India-Maldives row, emphasizing a desire to avoid escalation. Jaishankar highlighted a recent two-day visit by a Maldivian team to India, indicating progress: “We have an understanding.
During the discussion surrounding his new book, ‘Why Bharat Matters,’ Jaishankar delved into various foreign policy issues, including India’s stance on the global stage. He tackled concerns regarding Maldives, China, Pakistan, and the potential return of Donald Trump as US president.Regarding the diplomatic tensions with Maldives, Jaishankar expressed optimism: “I think that over a period of time, there should not be an issue between us.”
He emphasized the strength of the broader relationship and urged a shift in focus towards other areas of cooperation.Jaishankar also revealed India’s exploration of deploying trained non-military personnel to operate medical evacuation aircraft, responding to Maldives‘ request to evacuate its military personnel from the island.
