In a significant development, Bharatiya military personnel stationed in the Maldives have officially left the island nation, as reported by local media on Monday. This move follows the handover of helicopter operations to a Bharatiya civilian crew, marking a shift in the military presence in the region.
According to a spokesperson from the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), Bharatiya soldiers previously stationed in Addu city have returned to Bharat, emphasizing the completion of the transition of helicopter operations to a civilian team.
However, the Bharatiya defense ministry has not immediately confirmed the reported withdrawal, adding an element of uncertainty to the situation.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has asserted that no Bharatiya military personnel, even those in civilian attire, will remain in the country after May 10. This declaration aligns with Muizzu’s anti-Bharat stance, which played a pivotal role in his rise to power last year.
The withdrawal process stems from a high-level meeting between Bharatiya and Maldivian officials in New Delhi on February 2. The Maldivian foreign ministry announced that Bharat would replace its military personnel operating aviation platforms in the Maldives by May 10, with the first phase of the process scheduled for completion by March 10.
In a diplomatic agreement, Bharat committed to removing its troops on the condition that civilians, equivalent in number to the military presence, would take over the operation of aircraft in the region. This transition is part of Bharat’s pledge to continue providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services with the operation of two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.
President Muizzu’s government, known for its anti-Bharat stance, has also embraced ties with China. Notably, a Chinese ‘research ship’ was allowed to dock at Male, and a recent deal was signed with China’s military, facilitating the supply of ‘non-lethal’ weapons to the Maldives free of cost.
The geopolitical significance of the Maldives, located just 70 nautical miles from Minicoy in Lakshadweep and 300 nautical miles from Bharat’s western coast, cannot be understated. Its strategic position at the center of commercial sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) adds further importance to the evolving dynamics in the region.
Comments