India-Maldives Diplomatic Row: Amid the ongoing row between India and Maldives, on Sunday, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel from the archipelago nation by March 15. The move comes despite ongoing discussions between the officials of the two countries to resolve the issue.Muizzu issued the directive during the 12th meeting between Maldivian and Indian officials held in Male to discuss the troop withdrawal. Abdulla Nazim Ibrahim, principal secretary to the Maldivian president, informed the media that the Maldivian delegation was instructed to convey the deadline to the Indian counterparts.🚨Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu asked India to withdraw its military personnel from his country by March 15, a senior official as per news agency PTI#BycottMaldives pic.twitter.com/BMm7HwvF6P— India Global Talk (@indiaglobaltalk) January 14, 2024According to media reports, This is the 12th meeting to discuss the withdrawal of Indian troops, and the talks are evidence of the governments desire to move ahead with the withdrawal of Indian troops in a civilized and diplomatic matter without endangering the relationship between the two countries. Madlives close ties with ChinaThe meeting took place against the backdrop of a significant decline in bilateral relations since Muizzus election last year. Muizzu has established closer ties with China, raising concerns in India. Following his return from a recent 5-day visit to China, Muizzu announced several measures seemingly aimed at reducing the Maldives dependence on India in crucial sectors like healthcare food security, and Tourism.A spokesperson for the Maldivian Presidents Office, Ibrahim Khaleel confirmed that the high-level committee was established during a meeting between Muizzu and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP28 in December.Khaleel also stated that the discussions focused on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel and expediting India-backed development projects. Who were present in the high-profile meetingHigh-ranking officials from both nations participated in the meeting, including Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, diplomats, and military personnel from the Indian mission. The Maldivian side was represented by key officials like Abdulla Fayyaz, chief of staff of the Presidents Office, Maj Gen Abdul Raheem Latheef, chief of defense forces, Ali Naseer Mohamed, ambassador at large in the foreign ministry, and the Maldivian envoy to India, Ibrahim Shaheeb.Muizzu demands withdrawal of 77 Indian military personnel Muizzu, who campaigned on an India Out platform during last years presidential election, has repeatedly called for the withdrawal of the 77 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives to operate two helicopters and an aircraft. Upon returning from his China trip, Muizzu made several remarks and announcements interpreted as targeting India. He declared, We may be small, but that does not give you the license to bully us.
