Indian troop withdrawal from Maldives pending government decision, says sources

Indian defence forces will wait for government directives regarding withdrawal from the Maldives after an announcement to this effect by Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, according to defence sources.

How India-Maldives row erupted?

The development follows a diplomatic spat last week when three Maldivian deputy ministers posted disparaging social media remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The officials were subsequently suspended.

Their comments critically referred to PM Modi's social media post about the Lakshadweep islands, insinuating it was an attempt to divert tourism from the Maldives.

Tensions have emerged in India-Maldives ties since Solih's election last year. Considered pro-China, Solih had campaigned on an 'India Out' platform.

India’s military support to Maldives

India has assisted the island nation's military capabilities by providing Dhruv helicopters, Dornier aircraft and training personnel over the last decade. The Indian forces help maintain these assets.

The Maldives occupies a strategic location near major Indian Ocean shipping lanes used for energy supplies by countries including China, Japan and India.

China began deploying naval ships to the Gulf of Aden several years ago for anti-piracy operations, increasing the Maldives' significance for India.

Annually, over 2 lakh Indian tourists visit the Maldives, crucial for the nation's tourism-dependent economy. The Indian High Commission recorded 2.4 lakh Indian arrivals in 2022.

Does this controversy affect India-Maldives ties?

While Solih seeks to reduce Indian military presence, New Delhi remains the Maldives' closest ally and security provider. India will have to balance its strategic interests with the islands' sovereignty concerns.

Diplomatic channels are engaged to resolve the current friction over the officials' unacceptable comments about PM Modi. However, the subsequent withdrawal announcement highlights deeper divergences that both sides need to address through deft diplomacy.