On Monday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu declared the withdrawal of Indian troops from the island nation, fulfilling a key electoral promise and escalating tensions with its longtime ally, India. The decision, fueled by President Muizzu’s anti-India stance, is set to reshape geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean region.
President Muizzu addressed the Parliament, asserting that the first group of Indian troops would depart before March 10, with the remaining two contingents set to leave by May 10.
This move follows his commitment to protect the freedom and sovereignty of the Maldivian people, focus on prioritizing the interests of the nation.
The withdrawal of Indian troops was a central promise in Muizzu’s election campaign, marking a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy towards closer ties with China.
The president expressed determination to bolster the Maldives military’s capability to safeguard its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) round the clock.
However, Muizzu’s decision faced strong opposition, with 56 Members of Parliament boycotting his address, accusing the government of undemocratic practices. The boycott, reportedly the largest in Maldivian parliamentary history, highlights growing discontent and political instability.
The two main opposition parties, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Democrats, accused Muizzu of an anti-India pivot and are working on a proposal to impeach the president.
In a recent meeting between India and the Maldives, both countries agreed that India would replace military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms by March 10, 2024. The strained ties between the nations escalated when Maldives’ minister made disparaging remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prompting a formal protest from India.
The economic impact of the tensions was evident as several celebrities urged a boycott of the Maldives, leading to a significant drop in tourism. India, once the fifth-largest market for the Maldives, witnessed a decline in its ranking within three weeks of the boycott calls.
President Muizzu’s visit to China last month, seeking increased tourism from the communist nation, further strained relations with India. Despite criticism at home, Muizzu reiterated in his parliamentary address that Maldives would not allow any country to interfere with or undermine its sovereignty.