Maldives Requests Indian Troop Withdrawal Following President Muizzu's China Diplomacy

In a significant development, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the country by 15 March, according to a statement from the President's Office. 

The move comes amid a low-key diplomatic row between the two nations, escalating tensions after Muizzu's recent high-profile state visit to China.

As per the latest government figures, there are currently 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, the public policy secretary at the President's Office, affirmed President Muizzu's stance, emphasising that Indian military personnel cannot remain in the Maldives. 

He stated, "This is the policy of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu and that of this administration."

A high-level core group convened to negotiate the withdrawal of troops held its inaugural meeting at the Foreign Ministry Headquarters in Male', attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar. 

The agenda focused on addressing President Muizzu's formal request for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel by 15 March.

President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, had initially made the withdrawal request soon after assuming office on 17 November. 

He justified the request, stating that the Maldivian people had given him a "strong mandate" to make such demands from New Delhi.

The request for withdrawal comes against the backdrop of a diplomatic row triggered by derogatory comments posted by three deputy ministers of the Muizzu government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ministers were subsequently suspended, leading to concerns in India and calls for a potential boycott by Indian tourists.

President Muizzu, during his recent state visit to China, aimed to strengthen ties with Beijing, indirectly criticising India in his remarks upon returning. Without explicitly naming any country, he asserted, "We may be small, but that doesn't give you the licence to bully us." 

Muizzu also announced plans to reduce the country's dependency on India, particularly in securing essential imports, highlighting Maldives' determination as an independent and sovereign state, resistant to external influences on domestic affairs.