Trisha Ghosh, Pune
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has formally asked India to withdraw its military forces from the island nation by March 15. This is the latest in a series of incidents evidencing rising tension between the Maldives and India.
The most prominent incidents before this have been President Muizzu’s recent deals with China as well as derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by 3 junior Maldivian ministers under Muizzu. The request was made one day after Muizzu’s return from China, one of India’s neighbors and rival nations.
The relations between the Maldives and India have begun to sour since September last year, when Muizzu came into power, with an explicit goal to reduce India’s geopolitical influence over the Maldives. The reason the president has strengthened its ties with China is due to the Asian giant’s parallel interest in economic investments in the island country alongside India. This includes development of its infrastructure and providing loans.
The Maldives is a major point for international shipping lanes to pass through between the East and the West, in addition to being a global hotspot for tourism. Last week, President Muizzu’s first visit to Beijing led to what is called a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” with China. This is beneficial for the latter nation, who is already owed $1.37 billion in debt by the Maldives, as per information from the World Bank.
Furthermore, the Maldives is a major beneficiary of India’s international policies and initiatives, such as the Neighbourhood First policy and SAGAR. India’s influence over the country is only strengthened by the operation of aircrafts and radars therein and the Indian Navy’s patrolling of the Indian Ocean regions around the Maldives. 70 military personnel from India are stationed at the island nation. The troops also provide support and assistance during any medical evacuations or rescue operations at sea.
With all this in mind, Muizzu seeks to mitigate India’s authority over the region by requesting that Indian troops withdraw, which in turn will improve relations with China. According to a daily newspaper published in China, Muizzu has stated, with reference to India, “We may be small but that doesn’t give you the licence to bully us.” He has declared that India’s refusal to withdraw its military would be evidence of disrespect for the “democratic will” of the Maldives and its people.