Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu asserted on Tuesday that by May 10, Indian troops would no longer be present in the country in any capacity, responding to claims made by the opposition regarding the return of Indian troops from India in civilian attire.
Muizzu's statement, made during a visit to the Baa atoll Eydhafushi residential community, came at a time when both the countries are witnessing increasing tensions over the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives.
Addressing concerns about the return of Indian troops, Muizzu dismissed rumours, emphasising that the Indian military would completely withdraw from the Maldives by the specified deadline.
“There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. The Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence,” said Maldives President Muizzu
His declaration coincided with a recent agreement between the Maldives and China for free military aid.
The president's assertion followed the arrival of an Indian civilian team to take control of one of the aviation platforms in the Maldives, ahead of the previously agreed upon withdrawal deadline of March 10.
Last month, after discussions in Delhi, the Maldivian foreign ministry announced India's commitment to replace military personnel at the aviation platforms by May 10, with a gradual withdrawal scheduled to conclude by March 10.
Currently, 88 military personnel operate three Indian platforms, providing humanitarian and medical services to the Maldivian population using helicopters and aircraft.
Muizzu's rise to power last year was marked by anti-India sentiments, leading to calls for the withdrawal of Indian personnel from the strategically positioned archipelago.
Reports suggest that Indian troops stationed in various locations within the Maldives are expected to depart ahead of the May 10 deadline.
However, opposition figures have criticised the administration, alleging that Indian civilians deployed to the Maldives are, in fact, military officials disguised out of uniform.
Meanwhile, recent collaborations between Maldives and Sri Lanka for medical evacuation flights underscore the Maldives' determination to remove all Indian troops.
Muizzu reiterated the nation's commitment to securing true independence, prioritising efforts to regain control over the southern maritime area and expelling Indian troops.
The Maldives' strategic location in the Indian Ocean, coupled with its proximity to India, underscores its significant geopolitical importance.
As a key maritime neighbour, the Maldives holds a crucial position in India's regional initiatives, including the Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) and the Neighbourhood First Policy.
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