Indian Troops Withdrawal Start from Maldives

International Desk: The deadline for the first phase of withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives begins today on Sunday. The pro-Chinese president of the Maldives, Mohammed Muijju, has set a deadline of March 10 to withdraw the 89 Indian troops by next May. BBC news.

In January this year, the Muijju government announced that the Indian troops in the Maldives must be withdrawn by March 15. However, an update from the President's office last month said that through negotiations between India and the Maldives, it has been agreed that the troops will be withdrawn step by step. The troops will be withdrawn in the first phase by March 10 and in the second phase by May 10.

India says it has given Maldives two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. They are mainly used for maritime surveillance and rescue operations during disasters and providing health care to sick people. Military officials were stationed in Maldives to maintain and operate these helicopters and aircraft.

Since assuming power last November, Mohamed Muijzu has emphasized on closer ties with China. He won the election with the slogan 'India Out'. He then promised that if he won, he would remove Indian troops from Maldivian soil. At the same time bring back the sovereignty of the country.

Due to geographical proximity and historical and strong economic ties, India has been a close partner of Maldives for decades. New Delhi has historically considered the region as part of its sphere of influence. But Maldives has been at the center of geopolitical competition between India and China for a long time. Both countries want to consolidate their influence here. Muizzur's tough message against New Delhi a few months ago worsened relations between the two countries. China is gradually increasing its influence in the Maldives.

China's influence in the country became visible through the construction of various infrastructures, including the construction of the China-Maldives Friendship Bridge at a cost of 20 crore rupees. However, both sides have agreed that even if the army is withdrawn from the Maldives, Indian civilian officials will be added to operate the helicopters and aircraft there. Indian officials have already reached Male.

India's  former Foreign Minister Shyam Baran said that the helicopters and aircraft provided by India will remain in the Maldives. Indian officials will work to maintain them. Both parties reached an agreement. However, allowing civilian officials to continue working instead of military officials has been cited by some as a backsliding by the Muijzu government. However, there was no comment from Muizzu's office.