In a bold move, President-Elect Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives has wasted no time in requesting the removal of all Indian military personnel from the country in an exclusive interview with the BBC, a demand that could potentially escalate diplomatic tensions between Malé and Delhi.
Muizzu's victory in the recent presidential election was seen as a setback for India, as his opponent, the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, had cultivated closer ties with India during his tenure. Muizzu's alliance, on the other hand, favors strengthening relationships with China, which has invested heavily in the Maldives through loans and grants for infrastructure and development projects.
India, however, has a strategic interest in the Maldives, as the islands provide a crucial vantage point for monitoring a significant portion of the Indian Ocean. India has also provided substantial development assistance to the country.
The "India out" campaign received a significant boost when concerns were raised over "gifts" from India, including helicopters and a small aircraft. While Delhi claimed they were for search and rescue missions and medical evacuations, the presence of Indian military personnel to operate and maintain these aircrafts raised suspicion among the Maldivian populace.
Muizzu expressed concern that the presence of Indian troops in the Maldives could potentially put the country at risk, particularly given the escalating tensions between India and China along their Himalayan border. He emphasized this sentiment in an exclusive interview with the BBC.
The President-Elect is also determined to review all agreements the Maldives has signed with India in recent years, citing a lack of transparency in these agreements.
China was quick to congratulate Muizzu on his victory, with President Xi Jinping expressing eagerness to deepen cooperation. Muizzu has praised Chinese infrastructure projects in the Maldives, which he says have transformed the capital city, Malé, and benefited its residents. However, he insists that he is not a "pro-China" candidate and places the interests of the Maldives first.
Notably, Muizzu's opposition alliance includes the party of former President Abdulla Yameen, who had played a significant role in moving the Maldives closer to China when Western lenders and India withdrew their support due to allegations of human rights violations. Yameen subsequently joined President Xi's Belt and Road Initiative, strengthening ties with China.
As President-Elect Muizzu prepares to take office, his stance on India's military presence and his desire to scrutinize existing agreements will likely shape the future of the Maldives' relationships with both India and China, making this a pivotal moment in the nation's foreign policy.
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