World

Analyzing motives behind new Maldives President’s call for withdrawal of Indian troops

Mohamed Muizzu, recently inaugurated as the President of the Maldives, emphasized during his inauguration speech his commitment to having no foreign military presence on the island. Subsequently, in a meeting with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, President Muizzu formally requested New Delhi to withdraw its approximately 70 soldiers stationed in the Maldives. The Indian government sources reported that both sides have agreed to explore “workable solutions” to continue the use of Indian military platforms, acknowledging their role in public welfare, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combating illegal maritime activities.

Also Read: Tentative agreement between Israel and Hamas to halt war and release dozens of hostages

The Maldives, a small island nation with about 500,000 people, is strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean, making it a geopolitical hotspot. Amidst increasing tensions between India and China in the region, both nations have invested significantly in the Maldives’ development. President Muizzu, succeeding Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, has expressed a desire to collaborate with both India and China while emphasizing the island’s neutrality in geopolitical rivalries.

Also Read: As the Chhath festival begins, Delhi Police maintains security around the city with intricate preparations and 1,000 ghats

President Muizzu, closely associated with former President Abdulla Yameen, who leaned towards Beijing during his tenure, has advocated for stronger ties with China. However, Muizzu clarified that his call for the withdrawal of Indian troops is based on security concerns and does not signal an intention to replace them with Chinese forces. In his efforts to strike a delicate balance, Muizzu discussed progress in Indian-backed projects during his meeting with Union Minister Rijiju, expressing a renewed commitment to fortify bilateral relations between the Maldives and India.

Priyanka Rai

Recent Posts

Mahakumbh 2025: New App To Empower Police With Swift Response & Enhanced Coordination

As Mahakumbh 2025 draws near, the Yogi government is finalizing preparations for this grand spiritual…

56 seconds ago

Supreme Court Directs Punjab To Prioritize Health Of Protesting Farmer Leader

The 70-year-old cancer patient is protesting at Khanpur, the Punjab-Haryana border, demanding a legal guarantee…

5 mins ago

Kapil Dev Shares Insights on Private Event Organised By Adani Group, Praises Chairman Gautam Adani

Kapil Dev was seen at a private event, which was organised by the Adani Group…

58 mins ago

Cybercrime Portal Prevented Losses of Rs 3,431 Crore, Addresses Nearly 10 Lakh Complaints

India’s national cybercrime reporting portal has successfully saved over Rs 3,431 crore by resolving nearly…

1 hour ago

State Of The Art Control Room For Mahakumbh 2025 Designed By Bollywood Art Director

Ahead of Mahakumbh 2025, a cutting-edge control room has been established in Prayagraj to oversee…

1 hour ago

PE/VC Investments Surge 156% In November; Buyouts Lead The Way

Private equity (PE) and venture capital (VC) funds invested $4 billion in November 2024, a…

2 hours ago