In a significant diplomatic move, the Maldives government has officially requested India to withdraw its military personnel from its territory, as per a press release from the Maldives President’s office. This request was formally presented by President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu during his meeting with India’s Minister of Earth Sciences, H.E. Mr. Kiren Rijiju, at the President’s Office earlier today.
Seeking a Workable Solution
The official statement revealed that both nations expressed their commitment to finding a “workable solution” to the situation. While Muizzu emphasized the need to remove Indian military presence, the Indian side acknowledged the importance of their personnel in operations such as medical evacuation and countering drug trafficking.
India’s Contribution and Maldives’ Perspective
During the meeting, Muizzu highlighted the role of Indian helicopters and aircraft in the medical evacuation of Maldivian citizens and their crucial role in instilling confidence among international tourists, particularly in remote islands. The Maldives President appreciated their contribution to monitoring and combating drug trafficking, recognizing the value of this collaboration.
Agreement on Continued Cooperation
A source stated, “It was agreed that the two governments would discuss workable solutions for continued cooperation through the use of these platforms as this serves the interests of the people of the Maldives.” This suggests an ongoing dialogue to address the concerns of both nations and ensure mutual cooperation.
President Muizzu’s Priorities
President Muizzu, elected as the eighth president of the Maldives, has been vocal about his commitment to removing foreign military presence, particularly that of India, as a top priority. His emphasis on maintaining the Maldives’ independence and sovereignty has been a consistent theme since before his election.
India-Maldives Cooperation and Response
The Indian government sources clarified that the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives is primarily for operating aircraft for medical evacuation and combating drug trafficking. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the positive impact of India-Maldives cooperation on various fronts, including people’s welfare, humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and the fight against illegal maritime activities.
MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi stated, “Our cooperation with Maldives is based on jointly addressing shared challenges and priorities,” highlighting the significant contributions made by India over the last five years. This includes more than 500 medical evacuations and multifaceted missions aimed at safeguarding maritime security.
Diplomatic Reassurances
As Union Minister Kiren Rijiju met President Muizzu, he reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation. In a post-meeting statement, Rijiju conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and emphasized India’s dedication to bolstering substantive bilateral cooperation and robust people-to-people ties.
Recent Developments
On a practical note, a Dornier aircraft provided by India to the Maldives carried out a medical evacuation on Saturday, underscoring the ongoing collaborative efforts between the two nations in critical situations.
In conclusion, the diplomatic discussions between the Maldives and India reflect the complexities of balancing national sovereignty and the benefits of international cooperation. The emphasis on finding a “workable solution” suggests a commitment to resolving differences and maintaining a positive relationship for the mutual benefit of both countries.
