Maldives President 'formally requests' for military withdrawal in high-stakes meeting with Kiren Rijiju

Male, Maldives: In a pivotal diplomatic encounter, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu met with Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju, echoing an urgent plea for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation.

The high-stakes meeting, following Muizzu's recent swearing-in, could shape the trajectory of India-Maldives relations.

A Diplomatic Gesture: Minister Rijiju's Courtesy Call

Minister Kiren Rijiju, who attended President Muizzu's inauguration on Friday, engaged in a "courtesy call" at the Maldives President's Office on Saturday. The meeting took a serious turn as President Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to pull back its military presence from Maldives soil.

Democratic Mandate: President Muizzu Asserts the People's Will

During the meeting, President Muizzu highlighted that the Maldivian people, through a robust mandate in the September Presidential Election, had empowered him to make this formal request to India. He expressed hope that India would respect the democratic will of the Maldivian populace.

Acknowledging Contributions: The Role of Indian Helicopters

While discussing the sensitive matter with Minister Rijiju, President Muizzu acknowledged the instrumental role of two Indian helicopters in facilitating numerous emergency medical evacuations. This recognition served as a backdrop to the complex negotiations on military presence.

Bilateral Relations and Project Progress: A Comprehensive Review

President Muizzu and Minister Rijiju delved into the progress of various collaborative projects supported by India in the Maldives. The importance of expediting the Greater Male' Connectivity Project (GMCP) was emphasised, along with addressing challenges hindering its timely execution.

A Pledge to Strengthen Ties: Future Commitments

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment from President Muizzu and Minister Rijiju to fortify the bilateral relations between the two countries. The sentiment underscored their shared dedication to navigating through challenges and enhancing mutual cooperation.

Looking Ahead: India-Maldives Relations in the Spotlight

As Minister Rijiju explored various projects during his visit, including the 4,000 Social Housing Units Project at Hulhumale' and the Greater Male Connectivity project, the discussions between the two nations highlighted the intricacies of diplomatic relations in the Indian Ocean region.

India's Stance and Ongoing Cooperation

India has underlined that its collaboration with the Maldives is rooted in jointly addressing shared challenges and priorities. The multifaceted cooperation spans areas such as humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and combating illegal maritime activities. The Indian government remains committed to engaging constructively with the Maldives administration.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Strategic Interests and Bilateral Ties

With the Maldives President's formal appeal for military withdrawal, the India-Maldives relationship enters a critical phase. The coming weeks may unveil the path ahead as both nations navigate complex geopolitical dynamics and strive for a harmonious coexistence.

(With ANI Inputs)