In an interview published by Bloomberg News, President-elect Mohamed Muizzu announced that the Maldives has commenced discussions with India regarding the withdrawal of Indian military presence. This move comes as New Delhi and Beijing both seek to bolster their influence in the region.
The removal of Indian troops constituted a significant campaign promise by Muizzu, who secured victory over President Ibrahim Solih last month. Approximately 70 Indian military personnel are stationed in the Maldives, where they operate radar stations and surveillance aircraft sponsored by New Delhi. Indian warships also play a role in patrolling the Maldives’ exclusive economic zone.
Muizzu emphasized in the interview that negotiations with the Indian government to eliminate its military presence had already begun and described these talks as “very successful already.” He underscored the desire for a mutually beneficial bilateral relationship with India and confirmed that Indian soldiers would not be substituted by troops from other nations.
The request to remove Indian military personnel should not be misconstrued as an indication that “China or any other country” will be allowed to station their troops in the Maldives, Muizzu asserted.
Muizzu’s electoral victory extends the ongoing competition between China and India for influence in the Indian Ocean. Successive Maldivian governments have leaned toward one or the other, and both regional giants have invested significantly in enhancing the Maldives’ infrastructure and providing loans as part of their ongoing rivalry.
