India Completes Military Withdrawal From Maldives

May 10, 2024

India has completed the withdrawal of its military personnel from the Maldives, an action that fulfils one of President Mohamed Muizzu’s major campaign promises. This event marks a notable shift in Indo-Maldivian relations, especially considering his perceived pro-China stance. The final batch of troops left the Maldives a day before the deadline of May 10, 2024.

Strained Relations and Military Presence

The request for the withdrawal of Indian military forces came after relationships between India and the Maldives became tense. President Muizzu insisted on the removal of Indian personnel who managed and operated three significant military platforms gifted by India—two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. These assets had been part of a broader Indian initiative to assist in regional security and development but became points of contention under the new leadership in the Maldives.

Stepwise Withdrawal

The process of repatriation was conducted in stages, starting with the initial batch of personnel in early March, followed by a second group in April. The final departure, completing the withdrawal of what was officially counted as 89 Indian soldiers, occurred just before the stipulated deadline.

Background on Maldives-India military relations

The Maldives and India have had a robust relationship emphasizing strategic, military, and security cooperation. This partnership is crucial given the Maldives’ strategic location in the Indian Ocean, which is vital for maritime lanes that are essential for international trade. India has historically played a key role in the security of the Maldives, including Operation Cactus in 1988, when Indian forces helped thwart a coup in the Maldives.

Both nations conduct regular military exercises and India offers assistance in capacity building to the Maldivian security forces. Additionally, India has contributed significantly to the Maldives’ maritime surveillance capabilities through the donation of helicopters and surveillance aircraft. This military collaboration is part of broader diplomatic and economic ties, with both countries frequently reaffirming their commitment to maintaining regional stability and security.

China Angle in India Maldives Relations

The China angle in India-Maldives relations has become increasingly prominent in recent years, especially following the election of President Mohamed Muizzu in 2022. Under Muizzu’s leadership, Maldives has been moving closer to China, marking a significant departure from the pro-India stance of his predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. This shift is evident from Muizzu’s “India Out” campaign, which aimed to remove Indian troops from Maldivian soil. Further developments in this context are:

Military assistance from China: The recent agreement between Maldives and China regarding military assistance is a clear indication of the growing ties between the two nations. Although the specifics of the deal have not been disclosed, it is being provided free of cost by China, which suggests a strategic move to enhance its influence in the region.
Withdrawal of Indian troops: Muizzu set a deadline for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, which has been now completed in stages by May 10, 2024. This move is seen as an assertion of Maldives’ sovereignty and an attempt to distance itself from India’s influence.
Strategic location: Maldives’ geographic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a strategically important nation, as it lies along crucial shipping lanes. Both India and China have been vying for influence in the region, with India traditionally considering it as part of its sphere of influence due to their historical and economic ties.

The recent developments in India-Maldives relations, with the latter leaning more towards China, highlight the ongoing geopolitical competition between India and China in the Indian Ocean region. As Maldives continues to balance its relations with both nations, the dynamics of this tussle are likely to evolve further.

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