India and Maldives Hold Talks Amid Strained Relations Over Military Personnel Withdrawal

The core group was established following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Muizzu on the sidelines of the COP28

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X: @the_news_21

India and the Maldives engaged in the second round of discussions on Male’s demand for the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel from the archipelago, amidst strained relations between the two countries.

The demand for withdrawal was raised by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, who set a deadline of March 15 during the first meeting of the high-level core group held in Male on January 14. While the Maldives claimed an agreement to fast-track the withdrawal, India insisted on further discussions.

Wednesday’s meeting of the core group held at the external affairs ministry in New Delhi saw no official statements from either side. However, sources familiar with the matter indicated persisting differences between the two nations.

The core group was established following discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Muizzu on the sidelines of the COP28 meeting in Dubai. Relations between India and the Maldives have strained as President Muizzu steered his country closer to China, seeking to reduce reliance on India in key sectors such as healthcare and food security.

Muizzu’s campaign for the presidential election centered on an “India out” platform, urging New Delhi to withdraw over 75 military personnel tasked with operating helicopters and an aircraft for medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.

In addition to seeking assistance from Sri Lanka for medical evacuation services, the Maldives has signed agreements with Turkiye for wheat procurement and has appealed to China to boost tourism. This shift marks a significant departure from India’s historical influence in the Maldives.

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