India Starts Negotiations for Withdrawal of Military Forces from Maldives
Colombo – The President of the Maldives, Mohammed Muisu, announced in an interview with Bloomberg News on Friday that India has commenced negotiations for the withdrawal of its military forces from the Maldives.
Muisu, who emerged victorious in the presidential election last month, had campaigned on the promise of removing Indian military forces from the country. Currently, around 70 Indian soldiers are stationed in the Maldives, manning radar stations and operating surveillance aircraft provided by New Delhi. Indian warships also help protect the Maldives’ main economic center.
During the interview, Muisu revealed that the talks with the Indian government have been “successful so far.” He emphasized the desire for a mutually beneficial relationship with India and clarified that foreign troops will not replace Indian soldiers.
Muisu also emphasized that his request for India to withdraw its military officers does not indicate a willingness to allow China or any other country to bring their military forces into the Maldives. The President is keen to maintain a balanced relationship with all countries while ensuring the sovereignty and security of the Maldives.
The withdrawal of Indian military forces from the Maldives would mark a significant development in the country’s foreign relations and could potentially reshape the strategic dynamics in the Indian Ocean region. It remains to be seen how the negotiations between India and the Maldives progress and what impact this decision will have on the security landscape in the region.
India has been a key partner for the Maldives, providing assistance in various sectors and playing an important role in ensuring the security of the island nation. The move to withdraw Indian military forces will likely prompt a reassessment of the geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean and may ignite a shift in alliances and partnerships in the region.