Indian forces await govt guidance amid Maldives row: Sources

PTC News Desk: Amidst escalating tensions and a diplomatic dispute between India and the Maldives, the Indian defence forces are poised to await directives from the government regarding the withdrawal of their presence from the Maldives by March 15. This decision follows the announcement made by Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, revealing a strained relationship between the two nations, as reported by defense sources to India Today.

Currently, as per the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), there are 77 Indian soldiers and associated assets stationed in the Maldives. The development of this situation emerged after a diplomatic fallout that transpired last week, triggered by derogatory social media posts made by three deputy ministers in President Muizzu's government against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The suspended deputy ministers directed disparaging remarks at PM Modi over his 'X' post, suggesting that it aimed to promote Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. In response, President Muizzu took a strong stance, leading to heightened tensions between the two nations. Tensions in India-Maldives relations have been brewing since Muizzu assumed the presidency last year, and his pro-China stance has added complexity to the situation. Muizzu had previously campaigned on an 'India Out' platform, intensifying concerns about the bilateral ties.

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A decade ago, India had provided Dhruv helicopters and Dornier aircraft to the Maldives for capability development. The Indian defence forces have been responsible for maintaining and training Maldivian forces on these aircraft. The strategic location of the Maldives in the Indian Ocean, adjacent to major shipping lanes, plays a crucial role in ensuring the energy supply for countries like China, Japan, and India. With China increasing its naval presence in the Indian Ocean for anti-piracy operations, the significance of the Maldives for India has grown.

Tourism is a vital component of the Maldives' economy, with over two lakh Indian visitors annually. In 2022, 2.41 lakh individuals visited the island nation, and around two lakh visited in 2023, as reported by the Indian High Commission in Male. The delicate diplomatic situation adds complexity to the intertwined economic and strategic interests of the two nations.

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(Inputs from agencies)