Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu sets a deadline, demanding India withdraw its troops by March 15

Subject: Science and Tech

Section: Defence

Context:

According to the Maldives government, India has around 88 soldiers stationed in the Maldives.
New Delhi has maintained that most of them are technical staff, engaged predominantly in maintaining aircraft gifted by India.

Diplomatic Strain:

India-Maldives High-Level Core Group meets; Indian statement focuses on finding a “mutually workable solution” for continued aviation operations.
Muizzu’s consistent demand for troop withdrawal aligns with his past pledges and recent state visit to China, signalling evolving geopolitical dynamics.

India as a First Responder to the Maldives:

It is a focal point for the Indian government’s priorities under the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy.’
India’s swift response and immediate assistance during the 1988 coup attempt. The Indian Armed Forces acted promptly, executing Operation Cactus.
India was the first to assist Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami as well as the water crisis in Malé in Dec 2014.
India’s swift dispatch of 30,000 doses of measles vaccine in Jan 2020 to prevent an outbreak in the Maldives.
Both nations are key players in maintaining the safety and security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), thus contributing to India-led Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.
Defense cooperation extends to the areas of Joint Exercises – “Ekuverin”, “Dosti”, “Ekatha” and “Operation Shield”.

About India Out Campaign

Initiated protests in the Maldives, transitioning to a digital presence.
Protesters voice opposition to military presence without endorsing violence.
Rooted in tensions since 2013, when President Yameen’s pro-China stance strained India-Maldives ties.
Ongoing campaign reflects historical diplomatic complexities between the two nations.