Maldives requests withdrawal of Indian Troops; New Delhi expresses willingness for discussions

In a recent development, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has formally requested the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel deployed in the Indian Ocean archipelago by March 15. The call was made during the first meeting of a high-level core group established by both countries to address the matter, held in the Maldives. New Delhi has responded by expressing its willingness to engage in further discussions on this issue.

Troop withdrawal deadline:

During the meeting, Muizzu communicated to the Maldivian delegation that Indian troops must be withdrawn by mid-March. This marks the 12th round of discussions between the two nations regarding the withdrawal of Indian troops. The talks are indicative of the government's commitment to handling the troop withdrawal in a civilized and diplomatic manner, as emphasized by Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, principal secretary to the Maldivian president.

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Bilateral relations and future talks:

The discussions also touched upon finding a mutually workable solution to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldives. The two sides agreed to expedite ongoing development cooperation projects and scheduled the next meeting of the high-level core group in India on a mutually convenient date. The meeting comes against the backdrop of strained bilateral relations since President Muizzu's election victory, reflecting a shift towards closer ties with China. The recent call for troop withdrawal adds another layer to the complex dynamics between India and the Maldives, with both countries aiming to navigate the situation diplomatically.

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