X: @the_news_21
Recent reports from local media in the Maldives suggest that the Indian military has commenced withdrawing its surveillance aircraft from the island nation, following an order from Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu. According to the Maldivian newspaper Mihaaru, 25 Indian troops stationed in the southernmost atoll of Addu departed from the Maldives on Sunday.
Although the news of the withdrawal has surfaced, there has been no official confirmation from either the Maldivian or Indian authorities as of yet.
The decision to withdraw Indian military personnel comes after President Muizzu’s directive in January, urging India to remove all its military personnel stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago. Following subsequent discussions between the two nations, India agreed to withdraw its troops under the condition that an equivalent number of Indian civilians would be deployed to operate the aircraft previously managed by the military.
President Muizzu escalated his anti-India rhetoric last week, setting a deadline of May 10 for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. This deadline comes shortly after an Indian civilian team arrived in the Maldives to assume control of one of the three aviation platforms in the island nation. It is anticipated that approximately 89 Indian military personnel will be withdrawn from the Maldives by May 10.
Tensions between India and the Maldives have been strained since President Muizzu, who maintains close ties with China, assumed office. Muizzu’s presidency saw a pledge to expel Indian security personnel stationed in the Maldives, particularly those patrolling its extensive maritime borders.
Relations deteriorated further in January amid a controversy involving Maldivian ministers making derogatory remarks about India and ridiculing Prime Minister Modi’s efforts to promote Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. This sparked outrage among Indians on social media, leading to calls for boycotting the island nation.
New Delhi raised concerns with Male over the controversy, prompting the Maldivian government to distance itself from the remarks and suspend the ministers responsible. Despite these actions, tensions persist between the two nations, with the withdrawal of Indian military personnel marking another chapter in their strained diplomatic relationship.
Also Read: Boeing Whistleblower John Barnett, Voice for Safety, Found Dead in US: Reports
