MALE, Maldives: India has initiated the withdrawal of military personnel from the Maldives following orders from the new pro-China president, according to reports from local media on Tuesday.
Reports indicate that 25 Indian troops stationed in the southernmost atoll of Addu have departed the archipelago ahead of the agreed-upon withdrawal deadline of May 10.
President Mohamed Muizzu, who came to power in September, campaigned on a platform to remove Indian security personnel responsible for patrolling the Maldives’ maritime borders.
An agreement between India and the Maldives stipulates the withdrawal of 89 Indian troops and support staff by May 10, with civilian Indian staff set to take over the operation of three aircraft, including helicopters and a fixed-wing plane.
While there has been no official confirmation from either side, the Maldivian National Defence Force reportedly confirmed the commencement of the Indian withdrawal.
Last week, the Maldives signed a military assistance deal with China, coinciding with India’s preparations to withdraw its personnel. The agreement aims to strengthen bilateral ties, with China offering training to Maldivian staff.
India’s concern over China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in the Maldives and neighboring Sri Lanka has led to strategic recalibrations. India views the Maldives as within its sphere of influence, but recent geopolitical shifts have seen the Maldives pivot toward China.
Despite assurances from President Muizzu that the move is not aimed at altering regional dynamics, India has taken steps to bolster its naval forces in the strategically important Lakshadweep islands, emphasizing operational surveillance in the area.
