A day after the Maldives formalized an agreement with China for the reception of complimentary military assistance, President Mohamad Muizzu of the Maldives declared that post-May 10, no Indian troops, inclusive of those donning civilian attire, will be prohibited from accessing the archipelago, as reported by the Maldives' news portal Edition. mv.
Muizzu's statement followed the arrival of an Indian civilian team in the Maldives, tasked with assuming control of one of the three aviation platforms in the nation, well in advance of the March 10 deadline mutually agreed upon by the two countries for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
In an address to a community gathering in Baa Atoll Eydhafushi, Muizzu refuted assertions circulating about his administration's purported success in expelling Indian troops from the Maldives, as documented by Edition. mv.
"The individuals from the Indian military are not departing; they are merely returning after outfitting themselves in civilian attire. We must refrain from entertaining notions that sow seeds of doubt and propagate falsehoods," Muizzu was quoted as stating by the portal, which identified him as a leader with pro-China leanings.
He further affirmed, "There will be no Indian troops present in the country post-May 10, whether in uniform or civilian garb. The Indian military will not maintain a presence in our nation in any form of attire. I assert this with conviction."
Emphasizing the paramount importance of securing genuine independence, Muizzu underscored his government's dedication to "reclaiming the southern maritime territory lost by the country" alongside expelling Indian troops from the Maldives.
"I am confident in our ability to achieve this objective. The delay in its realization is attributable to the unfavorable procedures adopted during the execution, which transpired without parliamentary consent, thereby contravening the Constitution," the President was quoted as expressing by the portal.
Muizzu's pronouncement arrived amidst a diplomatic discord stemming from derogatory remarks made by Maldivian politicians regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep in January, which strained relations between the two nations.
Presently, 88 military personnel oversee the three Indian platforms, extending humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the Maldivian populace using two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.
Following a high-level deliberation in Delhi on February 2, the Maldivian Foreign Ministry affirmed India's commitment to replace its military personnel manning the three aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10, with the initial phase slated for completion by March 10.
Muizzu, widely perceived as a leader with pro-China inclinations, assumed the presidency in November last year, vowing to expel Indian military personnel from the island nation.
Additionally, Edition. mv reported that while the first troop contingent slated for departure comprises Indian military personnel overseeing helicopter operations in Addu City, those stationed in Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hanimaadhoo and Laamu Atoll Kahdhoo are also anticipated to exit before May 10.
India's consent to withdraw its troops from the Maldives hinged upon a stipulation that a commensurate number of its civilians be deployed to operate the aircraft.
Given the Maldives' strategic location in proximity to India, situated a mere 70 nautical miles from the island of Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from the western coast of the mainland, alongside its pivotal positioning along the commercial sea lanes traversing the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the nation holds significant strategic value.
The Maldives has served as India's pivotal maritime neighbor within the IOR, occupying a distinct position in its initiatives such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the Neighbourhood First Policy.
