Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has called for the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the country by mid-March, adding to the anti-India sentiment that has been growing in the island nation in recent years. However, the presence of only 88 troops is not considered a significant threat, as their role primarily involves training Maldivian troops and providing assistance with humanitarian aid and medical evacuations.
President Muizzu is known for his pro-China stance, which is a departure from the pro-India policy pursued by his predecessors. The current coalition government, composed of the People’s National Congress and the Progressive Party of Maldives, is actively working to remove what they perceive as Indian influence.
Prior to the Presidential election held in September, supporters of President Muizzu’s People’s National Congress spread a narrative that the Maldivian Democratic Party, led by Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, was influenced by India. The demand for troop removal was initially made shortly after the Muizzu government came to power, emphasizing their anti-India agenda.
India’s contribution of two military helicopters for rescue operations in Maldives has been misrepresented as a military presence. Additionally, a bilateral agreement for the UTF Harbour Project, signed in February 2021, has sparked speculation that it could lead to the establishment of an Indian naval base.
Tensions between India and Maldives escalated further due to derogatory comments made by Maldivian ministers following Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Lakshadweep islands. However, three of these ministers were subsequently removed from their positions.
President Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of Indian troops came shortly after his visit to China, during which the two nations upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. China sees Maldives as strategically important due to its location on one of the busiest maritime trade routes, through which a significant portion of China’s oil imports pass. During President Muizzu’s visit, China signed 20 important agreements with Maldives and provided an aid package of $130 million for development projects.
While the Indian foreign ministry has not yet responded to Maldives’ demand, former foreign minister Shashi Tharoor has expressed concerns about China’s growing influence in the region. He emphasized China’s attempts to expand its influence in neighboring countries, including Maldives.
The Maldives President, Mohamed Muizzu, has recently adopted a tougher stance on various issues, sparking curiosity and concern. This shift in approach can be attributed to several key factors.
Firstly, President Muizzu’s determination to combat corruption within the government has been a driving force behind his tough talk. He believes that eradicating corruption is crucial for the country’s development and to restore public trust in the government. By talking tough, he aims to send a clear message that corrupt practices will not be tolerated.
Secondly, President Muizzu’s firm stance on environmental issues is another reason for his tough rhetoric. The Maldives is highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels and coral bleaching. To protect the nation’s fragile ecosystem, Muizzu has been vocal about the need for sustainable practices and has even threatened to take action against those who violate environmental regulations.
Additionally, the president’s tough talk can be seen as a response to geopolitical challenges faced by the Maldives. The country has witnessed increasing influence from regional powers, leading to concerns over its sovereignty. Muizzu’s strong stance may serve as a deterrent to external interference and safeguard the Maldives’ autonomy.
While President Muizzu’s tough rhetoric may be seen as a departure from his predecessors’ more diplomatic approach, it reflects his commitment to tackling corruption, protecting the environment, and safeguarding the Maldives’ sovereignty. However, the true impact of his words will ultimately depend on the actions taken by his government to back them up.
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