In a significant move underscoring shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Indian Ocean, the Maldives has confirmed that India has withdrawn over half of its troops deployed in the archipelago nation ahead of a Friday deadline. This development comes as the Maldives intensifies its relations with China, a strategic move that could reshape regional power dynamics.
The Maldives, renowned for its luxury tourism offerings and its location along vital east-west international shipping routes, has seen a notable political shift since the election of President Mohamed Muizzu. Muizzu’s victory was propelled by promises to diminish India’s political influence within the atoll nation.
President Muizzu, who has embraced a pro-China stance, pledged to dismantle the presence of 89 Indian soldiers tasked with patrolling the maritime boundaries of the Maldives, comprising 1,192 tiny coral islands spread across approximately 800 kilometers (500 miles) along the equator. A spokesperson for Muizzu’s administration announced that 51 Indian military personnel had departed by Monday evening, with the remainder set to leave by May 10.
Muizzu’s diplomatic overtures towards China have been evident since assuming office, with his inaugural state visit bypassing India in favor of Beijing, marking a departure from longstanding tradition. This move has been accompanied by a series of agreements aimed at bolstering bilateral relations and economic cooperation with China, sidelining India, which historically viewed the Maldives as within its sphere of influence.
In March, amidst the gradual withdrawal of Indian troops, the Maldives inked a “military assistance” pact with China, signaling a deepening of ties. According to the Maldivian defense ministry, the agreement aims to fortify bilateral relations and includes provisions for Chinese training of Maldivian personnel.
India, wary of China’s expanding presence in the Indian Ocean region and its growing influence in the Maldives and neighboring Sri Lanka, has observed these developments with apprehension. Relations between India and the Maldives have cooled considerably under Muizzu’s presidency, reflecting the broader geopolitical recalibration underway in the region.
Against this backdrop, Maldivian Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is scheduled to visit New Delhi on Wednesday for official discussions, indicating a continued engagement between the two nations despite the evolving geopolitical landscape.
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