Male, 7th May. The Maldives has announced that India has withdrawn more than half of its troops from the archipelago nation ahead of a Friday deadline, signaling a shift in geopolitical dynamics as the Maldives strengthens its ties with China.
Known for its luxury tourist destinations and white sand beaches, the Maldives also sits on important east-west international shipping routes.
President Mohamed Muizzu, who is pro-China, won the election last year partly by promising to reduce India’s influence in the country.
A spokesperson for Muizzu stated that 51 Indian military personnel had left by Monday.
“As of now, 51 soldiers stationed at two platforms have been repatriated,” said Heena Waleed on Monday night.
All Indian military personnel will be withdrawn from the Maldives by May 10.
Muizzu’s first official visit as president was to China, breaking the tradition of visiting India first for new Maldivian leaders.
He has signed multiple agreements with Beijing to enhance bilateral relations and economic ties, sidelining India, which traditionally sees the Maldives as within its sphere of influence.
In March, the Maldives signed a military assistance deal with China as Indian troops began to leave.
The Maldivian defense ministry stated that the deal aims to strengthen bilateral ties and that China will provide training under the agreement.
India is wary of China’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean and its influence in the Maldives and neighboring Sri Lanka.
Relations between the Maldives and India have cooled since Muizzu became president.
Maldives’ Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer is set to visit New Delhi on Wednesday for official discussions.
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