In a recent development, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has proposed that Bharat withdraw its military presence from the archipelago nation before March 15, as reported by a media agency. Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, had campaigned against Bharat troop presence in the country during his election last year. The current situation escalated following Muizzu’s return from China, marking a strain in diplomatic relations with Bharat.
Presently, approximately 70 Bharat troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, are stationed in the Maldives. The removal of Bharat troops was a key campaign promise for Muizzu’s party, and the issue was reportedly discussed during a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Maldivian President.
Muizzu, emphasizing his commitment to the country’s independence and sovereignty, stated that he aims to keep the Maldives “free” of any “foreign military presence.” He stressed that the Maldives, being a small nation, should not be entangled in geopolitical competition and expressed disinterest in interfering with the country’s foreign policy.
The deteriorating relationship between Bharat and the Maldives further soured after derogatory remarks were made against PM Modi by three deputy ministers from the island nation. In response, Bharat initiated a boycott of the Maldives as a tourist destination. Muizzu, however, asserted that despite being a small country, the Maldives cannot be bullied.
Adding to the complexities, Muizzu’s party suffered a setback as the opposition party’s candidate, Adam Azim, won the mayoral elections in Male. Azim’s victory was described as a “landslide” and “victory by a large margin.” Hailing from the Maldives Democratic Party, Azim secured 5,303 votes against his rival Aishath Azima Shakoor of Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC), who garnered 3,301 votes.
As tensions escalate, the diplomatic row between Bharat and the Maldives takes center stage, with uncertainties surrounding the future of military cooperation and the overall relationship between the two nations. The situation remains dynamic, and further developments are awaited in the coming weeks.
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