India and Maldives find themselves entangled in a diplomatic row over the request for the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the archipelago nation. Amid the escalating tensions, India’s Navy Chief, R Hari Kumar, has provided a response, emphasizing that the Indian government has not issued any formal directive to its defence personnel to pull out from Maldives.
The genesis of the dispute lies in Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian troops, coupled with a broader shift in the country’s foreign policy. Muizzu, who assumed office last year, has signaled a departure from the previous “India First” stance, raising concerns about a potential pivot towards building stronger ties with China.
Currently, approximately 88 Indian soldiers and 12 medical personnel from the Indian armed forces are stationed in Maldives. India has also provided two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, primarily used for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuations.
During the initial meeting of the India-Maldives core group, Maldivian representative Ali Naseer urged Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Munu Mahawar to replace defence personnel with civilian crews by March 15. The Maldives government’s request for the withdrawal of Indian troops has added strain to bilateral relations, leading to a complex diplomatic situation.
In response to the unfolding events, India’s Navy Chief, R Hari Kumar, stated in an interview with CNN-News18 that the Indian government has not communicated any instructions to the navy regarding the return of defence personnel from Maldives. This lack of formal communication underscores the complexity of the situation and suggests that India is carefully considering its response to the request made by the Maldivian government.
The naval chief’s comments indicate that the Indian government is taking a measured approach, possibly exploring diplomatic channels and negotiations to address the concerns raised by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu. Kumar mentioned, “We await instructions, whatever is the decision,” highlighting the navy’s readiness to act based on the government’s directive.
The diplomatic tensions between India and Maldives have broader implications for regional dynamics, given the strategic importance of the Indian Ocean region. Both India and China have sought to expand their influence in the region, and any shift in the geopolitical landscape could have repercussions for the balance of power.
Maldives’ President Muizzu’s call for troop withdrawal aligns with his administration’s apparent shift towards a more pro-China stance. This shift is in contrast to the previous government’s “India First” policy, raising concerns in New Delhi about the potential impact on regional stability and India’s strategic interests.
The diplomatic row between India and Maldives began when three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. Although the Maldivian government distanced itself from the ministers’ comments, the fallout from the incident has contributed to the current tensions.
India’s response to the request for troop withdrawal will likely be influenced by its broader foreign policy objectives, regional security considerations, and the need to maintain stability in the Indian Ocean region. The strategic importance of Maldives, located along key maritime routes, makes it a crucial player in the geopolitical landscape of the Indian Ocean.
As the situation unfolds, diplomatic efforts are expected to intensify to find a resolution that addresses the concerns of both countries. The role of mediators and diplomatic channels will be crucial in navigating the complexities of the dispute and preventing further escalation.
The India-Maldives diplomatic row highlights the challenges and sensitivities involved in managing relationships in the strategically vital Indian Ocean region. The response from both sides in the coming days will shape the trajectory of bilateral ties and have implications for the broader geopolitical landscape in South Asia.
