Tag: Maldives

Muizzu had set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his country….reports Asian Lite News

The second batch of Indian military personnel manning a helicopter gifted by India to the Maldives has left the island nation as demanded by him, President Mohamed Muizzu has said.

Muizzu, a pro-China leader, also reaffirmed that foreign ambassadors in Male will not wield authority over him emphasising that ultimate power rests with the citizens.

Last month, he had alleged that his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih operated on the orders from “a foreign ambassador” without naming any country.

He announced the withdrawal of the second Indian military contingent from the Maldives while speaking during a campaign event for the ruling People’s National Congress party candidates ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21.

“The first team has already gone. Now, on April 9, the soldiers on the second platform have also been withdrawn,” Muizzu, who has been demanding the withdrawal of foreign soldiers from the Maldives during his election campaign last year, was quoted as saying by the local media on Saturday.

Muizzu had set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military personnel from his country.

Under an agreement between Maldives and India in February, New Delhi agreed to replace the Indian military personnel stationed in Maldives to oversee the operations of the military aircraft the country has gifted with trained civilians also from India.

Muizzu also said the Indian soldiers on the last aviation platform would also leave the Maldives before May 10 deadline set by him and that would mark the fulfillment of his pledge to remove Indian soldiers from the island nation.

“There is only one platform left. As the two countries have already signed, they [the remaining Indian military personnel] will also be recalled ahead of May 10. They will leave,” Mr Muizzu was quoted as saying by Edition.mv news portal on Saturday.

He did not provide details of the number of the second batch of Indian military personnel who have left the Maldives. He also did not clarify whether the soldiers had been replaced by trained Indian civilians.

Neither the Maldives Defence Ministry nor India have commented on the latest withdrawal of Indian military personnel from this country.

According to the Maldives government, 88 Indian soldiers were stationed in the Maldives to operate helicopters in Addu and Laamu Kadhdhoo and a Dornier aircraft in Hanimaadhoo. The figure also includes doctors at the Senahiya military hospital, according to local media reports.

The first group of Indian soldiers left the Maldives on March 11. The Defence Ministry said 26 soldiers based in Addu were replaced by 26 Indian civilians. India also replaced the old helicopter in Addu with a new one.

Relations between Maldives and India have deteriorated since Muizzu came to power in November last year while closer ties are maintained with China. He also travelled to China in January and met top Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping.

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Additionally, President Muizzu unveiled plans to establish a 24/7 monitoring system for Maldivian waters, enhancing control over the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)….reports Asian Lite News

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has declared the country’s intention to cease its agreement with India for hydrographic surveys. Instead, Maldives aims to develop its own capabilities for conducting such surveys independently. This shift reflects Maldives’ evolving approach to maritime activities, emphasising self-sufficiency.

During a ceremony on an island he visited, President Muizzu announced the decision, stating, “This will enable Maldives to carry out underwater surveys autonomously, gaining comprehensive insights into our underwater features and producing our own charts.”

Additionally, President Muizzu unveiled plans to establish a 24/7 monitoring system for Maldivian waters, enhancing control over the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). This move, reported by PTI, underscores Maldives’ commitment to bolstering maritime security and asserting sovereignty over territorial waters.

These developments mark the first public disclosure from President Muizzu’s government regarding its hydrographic survey plans, following an announcement to review over 100 agreements with India made by previous administrations.

Initiatives for hydrographic surveys in collaboration with India’s hydrography office began in January 2021. Under the previous administration of President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, an agreement was reached with the Indian government to map Maldives’ underwater features.

“We have decided not to renew the agreement with the Indian government for scanning and acquiring insights into our underwater terrain. These underwater details are part of our heritage. They conduct scans, draw maps, and we end up purchasing the data from them,” stated Muizzu.

This move signifies Maldives’ determination to assert control over its maritime domain and underscores its commitment to self-reliance in hydrographic surveys and maritime security.

Notably, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is considered close to China and he even ran the electoral campaign on the line of ‘India Out’. Since coming to power, he has taken several steps that have been unconventional from the point of view of India-Maldives ties.

The removal of Indian troops from Maldives was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party and he put up a formal request with New Delhi regarding the same, just on the second day after assuming office.

The first batch of Indian technical personnel has arrived in Maldives to replace the existing personnel in Maldives. Addressing a weekly press briefing in Delhi on February 29, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have had the first batch of technical personnel reach the Maldives, Male, to replace the existing personnel.”

“The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter at Gan has reached Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel that were, until now, operating this platform…,” said Jaiswal.

Notably, MEA earlier stated in its statement that both India and Maldives have agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives.

On February 26, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed his belief that the row with the Maldives will be resolved through diplomacy. He also said that sometimes misunderstandings take place between two nations.

The EAM was speaking at the event ‘The Rise of the Global South’ at TV9 Bharatvarsh Conclave on Monday. Responding to the Maldives row, Jaishankar said, “Humanity is humanity. Diplomacy is diplomacy, and politics is politics. The whole world doesn’t always run with obligation…so if we have encountered such a situation, the solution will come through diplomacy only.”

“We have to make people understand, sometimes people don’t even have complete knowledge of things, sometimes people get misguided on what others say,” he added.

Jaishankar further described the primary functions performed by the Indian military personnel and aviation platforms in Maldives.

“There are two Indian helicopters and one plane in the Maldives. Mostly, it is used for medvac (medical evacuation) purposes. The people of the Maldives are the beneficiaries of it. But, these are military planes, so who will run them? Obviously, military personnel,” Jaishankar said.

He said that the Indian side is holding multiple rounds of discussion with the Maldivian side to resolve whatever differences they have.

“They had some objection, so we said, ‘Come on, let’s discuss and reach a solution. So, even if our intention is good, policy is clear, we reach such a situation, and we have to find a solution. I firmly believe that we will be able to resolve this matter as well,” the EAM added.

Notably, India and Maldives have held two High-Level Core Group meetings. During the meeting, both sides agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives, according to MEA. (ANI)

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Muizzu said that people who spread false rumours are trying to twist the situation….reports Asian Lite News

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has said that no Indian military personnel will remain in the country after May 10, be it in uniform or civilian clothing, Maldives-based The Edition reported.

While addressing the residential community of Baa Atoll Eydhafushi, he said that the Indian military will not reside in Maldives in any form of clothing after May 10. Muizzu said that people who spread false rumours are trying to twist the situation.

Muizzu said, “That these people [Indian military] are not departing, that they are returning after changing their uniforms into civilian clothing. We must not indulge such thoughts that instill doubts in our hearts and spread lies,” The Edition reported.

“There will be no Indian troops in the country come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. Indian military will not be residing in this country in any form of clothing. I state this with confidence,” he added.

Muizzu made the statement after the Opposition started criticising the government asserting that the Indian personnel sent to Maldives as civilians are in reality military officials out of uniform and that the government has no way to discover otherwise, according to The Edition report.

Reacting to the Opposition’s criticism, Mohamed Muizzu said that Indian military personnel have started leaving the Maldives after discussions held between the two nations.

His statement comes as the two nations have agreed to remove the Indian military presence in Maldives by May 10. The first group of Indian troops who have departed from Maldives are the Indian military personnel operating helicopters in Addu City.

The Indian military personnel present in Haa Dhaalu Atoll Hanimaadhoo and Laamu Atoll Kahdhoo are also expected to depart from Maldives ahead of May 10, The Edition reported.

Notably, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is considered close to China and he even ran the electoral campaign on the line of ‘India Out’. Since coming to power, he has taken several steps that have been unconventional from the point of view of India-Maldives ties.

The removal of Indian troops from Maldives was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party and he put up a formal request with New Delhi regarding the same, just on the second day after assuming office.

The first batch of Indian technical personnel has arrived in Maldives to replace the existing personnel in Maldives. Addressing a weekly press briefing in Delhi on February 29, Ministry of External Affairs official spokesperson spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have had the first batch of technical personnel reach the Maldives, Male, to replace the existing personnel.”

“The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter at Gan has reached Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel that were, until now, operating this platform…,” said Jaiswal.

Notably, MEA earlier stated in its statement that both India and Maldives have agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives.

On February 26, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed his belief that the row with the Maldives will be resolved through diplomacy. He also said that sometimes misunderstandings take place between two nations.

The EAM was speaking at the event ‘The Rise of the Global South’ at TV9 Bharatvarsh Conclave on Monday. Responding to the Maldives row, Jaishankar said, “Humanity is humanity. Diplomacy is diplomacy, and politics is politics. The whole world doesn’t always run with obligation…so if we have encountered such a situation, the solution will come through diplomacy only.”

“We have to make people understand, sometimes people don’t even have complete knowledge of things, sometimes people get misguided on what others say,” he added.

Jaishankar further described the primary functions performed by the Indian military personnel and aviation platforms in Maldives.

“There are two Indian helicopters and one plane in the Maldives. Mostly, it is used for medvac (medical evacuation) purposes. The people of the Maldives are the beneficiaries of it. But, these are military planes, so who will run them? Obviously, military personnel,” Jaishankar said.

He said that the Indian side is holding multiple rounds of discussion with the Maldivian side to resolve whatever differences they have.

“They had some objection, so we said, ‘Come on, let’s discuss and reach a solution. So, even if our intention is good, policy is clear, we reach such a situation, and we have to find a solution. I firmly believe that we will be able to resolve this matter as well,” the EAM added.

Notably, India and Maldives have held two High-Level Core Group meetings. During the meeting, both sides agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives, according to MEA. (ANI)

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The Mohamed Muizzu-led Maldives government has formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male….reports Asian Lite News

India on Thursday divulged that the first batch of Indian technical personnel had reached the Maldives.

Addressing a weekly press briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randir Jaiswal said, “We have had the first batch of technical personnel reach the Maldives, Male, to replace the existing personnel.”

The Mohamed Muizzu-led Maldives government has formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male.

“The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter at Gan has reached Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel that were, until now, operating this platform…,” said Jaiswal.

Notably, the Ministry of External Affairs earlier stated in its statement that both India and Maldives have agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives.

Previously, Maldives local media had reported that President Mohamed Muizzu had asked the Indian government to withdraw the Indian troops from the island nation before March 15.

The removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

Meanwhile, Jaiswal on Feb 8, 2024, informed that the budget for the Maldives has increased to Rs 770.9 crore.

India remains an important, committed development partner for the Maldives.

Meanwhile, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar affirmed his belief that the row with the Maldives will be resolved through diplomacy.

He highlighted that Indian military personnel and aviation platforms in Maldives has been solely working for the benefit of local people and said that sometimes misunderstandings take place between two nations.

Speaking at the event ‘The Rise of the Global South’ at TV9 Bharatvarsh Conclave, Jaishankar said, “Humanity is humanity. Diplomacy is diplomacy, and politics is politics. The whole world doesn’t always run with obligation…so if we have encountered such a situation, the solution will come through diplomacy only.”

“We have to make people understand; sometimes people don’t even have complete knowledge of things and sometimes people get misguided on what others say,” he added.

Jaishankar further described the primary functions performed by Indian military personnel and aviation platforms in the Maldives.

“There are two Indian helicopters and one plane in the Maldives. Mostly, it is used for medvac (medical evacuation) purposes. The people of the Maldives are the beneficiaries of it. But, these are military planes, so who will run them? Obviously, military personnel,” Jaishankar said.

He added that the Indian side is holding multiple rounds of discussion with the Maldivian side to resolve whatever differences they have.

“They had some objection, so we said, ‘Come on, let’s discuss and reach a solution. So, even if our intention is good, policy is clear, we reach such a situation, and we have to find a solution. I firmly believe that we will be able to resolve this matter as well,” the EAM added. (ANI)

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Widely seen as a pro-China leader, Muizzu, after winning the country’s presidential election in November 2023, promised to remove Indian troops from the island nation…reports Asian Lite News

Maldives’ main opposition leader Abdulla Shahid has denied allegations that India backed his recent appointment as the president of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), a media report said.

The accusations by several government officials came after the 61-year-old leader was named to the new role without an election last week, the Sun Online news outlet reported on Monday.

“The people currently running the government use India as their go-to excuse to invalidate anything I attempt to achieve,” Shahid, who served as President of the 76th UN General Assembly between 2021 and 2022, told the news website.

“At this point they may go as far as to claim my birth was influenced by India. This is the extent of their narrative right now,” he added.

Asserting that the present government should realise his potential and give credit to his political achievements to date, the veteran politician clarified that he is “not a political insert by any other party or power”.

Shahid’s comments come just after he debunked President Mohamed Muizzu’s claims about “thousands of Indian military personnel” as ‘lies’, adding that there “are no armed foreign soldiers stationed in the country”.

In a post shared on X yesterday, he wrote: “100 days in, it’s clear: President Muizzu’s claims of ‘thousands of Indian military personnel’ were just another in a string of lies. The current administration’s inability to provide specific numbers speaks volumes. There are no armed foreign soldiers stationed in the country. Transparency matters and the truth must prevail”.

The seasoned diplomat told the Sun Online in an interview that regardless of foreign policy changes, Maldives cannot distance itself from India as a regional ally.

“[India] is tied to us historically, culturally, and in several other ways,” he said, adding that India was among the first of its allies to assist in the 2004 tsunami crisis and the 2020 pandemic.

Widely seen as a pro-China leader, Muizzu, after winning the country’s presidential election in November 2023, promised to remove Indian troops from the island nation.

Earlier this month, he said the first group of Indian military personnel will be sent back before March 10, while the remaining will be withdrawn by May 10.

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The Mohamed Muizzu-led Maldives government has formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male….reports Asian Lite News

India will replace military personnel at aviation platforms in the Maldives with competent Indian technical personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday.

The Mohamed Muizzu-led Maldives government has formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male.

In this regard, a second high-level group meeting took place in New Delhi on February 2 and a third meeting is scheduled to be held later this month.

Addressing a weekly press briefing in the national capital, MEA spokesperson Randir Jaiswal said, “What we had to say, we made it out in the press release. This was done after the second high-level core group meeting. We also said that the third core group meeting will be subsequently held.”

“I would like to say, the present personnel will be replaced by competent Indian technical personnel,” Jaiswal said.

After the second meeting, the Maldives Foreign Ministry in a statement said that India will replace its military personnel in one of the three aviation platforms in the Maldives by March 10 and will complete the replacement by May 10.

“Both sides agreed that the Government of India will replace the military personnel in one of the three aviation platform by March 10, 2024, and will complete replacing military personnel in the other two platforms by 10 May 2024,” the statement read.

Notably, the Ministry of External Affairs stated in its statement that both India and Maldives have agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives.

“Both sides also agreed on a set of mutually workable solutions to enable continued operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide humanitarian and medvac services to the people of Maldives,” it stated.

Previously, Maldives local media had reported that President Mohamed Muizzu had asked the Indian government to withdraw the Indian troops from the island nation before March 15.

Notably, the removal of Indian troops from the country was the main election campaign of Muizzu’s party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.

A MEA spokesperson also spoke on the speculations regarding budgetary allocation to Maldives in the Interim Budget 2024-25.

Jaiswal said that Rs 779 crore has been allocated for the Maldives as against Rs 600 crore as projected earlier and New Delhi continues to be a “committed development partner” for Male.

“There are many conflicting ways, in which people are this budgetary. I saw some media reports saying that the allocation has gone up, some are saying it has gone down. Certain amount of money is allocated and then revisions are made, and thereafter there is a phase of revision, during that phase of revision, new proposals are considered,” the MEA spokesperson said.

He added, “The allocation for Maldives this time is Rs 779 crore as against Rs 600 crore projected earlier. The new figures will also be revised when we have more clarity on what sort of forward movement is happening. We remain a committed development partner for Maldives.” (ANI)

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Maldivian President Muizzu once again spoke against India in his maiden speech in the archipelagic country’s parliament on February 5, writes Ashok Sajjanhar

Relations between India and Maldives hit a rocky patch when new President Mohamed Muizzu was elected in September, 2023. The foreign policy of Muizzu’s predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was anchored in the theme of “India First.”
 
As against this, Muizzu fought the 2023 Presidential election on the slogan of ‘’India Out.’’ According to a Report by the European Election Observation Commission, parties supporting Muizzu “deployed anti-India sentiments and attempted to spread disinformation around this theme during the 2023 presidential elections.”
 
Muizzu can be wholly held responsible for this unfortunate turn of events. He has conducted Maldives’ relations with India with immaturity, lack of sophistication, short-sightedness and impetuosity.

 
Background
 
It is not unusual for India’s smaller neighbours to suffer from a small-country syndrome. India’s small neighbours suffer from an apprehension that their independence and sovereignty could be under threat although India’s policies have always tried to reassure them that India has nothing but their security, well-being, and prosperity at heart.
 
In the instant case of Maldives, this is demonstrated by India’s prompt assistance during the 1988 coup attempt. The immediate withdrawal by India of its troops when they were no longer required, totally debunked any fears of Indian dominance or territorial aspirations. India was also the first to assist Maldives during the 2004 Tsunami and the water crisis in December, 2014.
 
India’s rapid and comprehensive support during the outbreak of measles and Covid-19 in 2020 established beyond doubt the advantages of India’s proximity and capacity to come to Maldives’ rescue in distress as compared to any other distant country.
 
The anti-India small-country syndrome is used by certain segments in the neighbouring countries for their short-sighted personal interests. This is what was done by Muizzu and his party in the recent elections.
 
India’s neighbours are also prone to using the China card to get more benefits and support in trade, investments, infrastructure development from both India and China.
 
This demands that they maintain cordial relations with both the countries. Muizzu has moved totally to the China camp by unnecessarily downgrading Maldives’ ties with India.
 
This is nothing short of shooting itself in the foot as the track record of China in helping developing countries to achieve their developmental aspirations is highly suspect.

 
Recent developments

Going against the past practice of coming to India as the first foreign country to visit after assuming charge, Muizzu chose Turkiye as his first foreign destination. 

Over the years, Maldives has been transforming into an increasingly Islamic radicalized society. Turkiye in its bid to emerge as the leader of the Muslim Ummah has been dabbling in South Asian affairs. Its increased presence in Maldives will be a matter of concern for India.
 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Lakshadweep on 2nd January, 2024 extolled the charm of the islands and encouraged more Indians to visit and enjoy their serene beauty. Totally unprovoked, 3 junior Maldivian ministers came out with vituperative and abusive tirades against India, Indians, and PM Modi.
 
After a barrage of criticism on social media by common Indians and celebrities and threat to stop visiting Maldives, (India contributed the largest of Maldivian incoming tourists in 2022), the Maldivian government ‘’suspended’’ (not dismissed) the three deputy ministers. At the time when the mayhem about the Ministers’ remarks was in full sway, Muizzu was on a 5-day visit to China which was his second port of call.
 
During the visit he ‘elevated’ bilateral relations with China to ‘strategic cooperation,’ signed 20 agreements, joined China’s Global Development Initiative, Global Strategic Initiative, and Global Civilisation Initiative, revived the Belt and Road Initiative and Free Trade Agreement etc.
 
On his return, he haughtily declared that Maldives might be a small country but it did not give the right to any country to ‘’bully’’ it. He added that ‘’this (Indian) ocean does not belong to a specific country.’’
 
In addition, Maldives gave permission to the docking of the Chinese research/spy vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03 in Malé. Maldives’ explanation that the visit was only to replenish stocks sounds hollow. 

Coming on the heels of the non-extension of the joint hydrographic agreement with India, the ultimatum to India to withdraw its “77 troops” (which are stationed for humanitarian assistance and medical evacuation purposes) by 15th March, 2024 signifies a pro-active push to replace India with China, Turkiye and other countries.
 
The way forward

Significant segments of the Maldivian population are in support of close relations with India. Strong statements criticizing comments by the three junior ministers against India and PM Modi were made by many common people and respected members of the political elite of Maldives. There have been demands by several Maldivian leaders that Muizzu should tender an apology to India.
 
There have also been reports that the Opposition parties will bring a No-Confidence motion against Muizzu. In the recent elections for the Mayor of Male, the position occupied by Muizzu before being elected President, the India-leaning party scored a decisive victory over the candidate of Muizzu’s party.
 
India needs to proactively reach out to those Maldivians who are favourably disposed towards India. This would need to be done without in any way interfering in the internal affairs of the country.
 
India extends large quantities of developmental support to Maldives. India will need to draw clear red lines concerning its core strategic and security interests which must be respected by the Maldives.
 
There are other areas also where India can push back against Maldives. All this would need to be communicated to Maldives behind closed doors and not through the media. The above approach would need to be conducted in a sophisticated and nuanced manner. This is what India has done so far which it needs to continue with equal finesse.

 
Conclusion

Challenge posed by Muizzu’s government is stiff but not one that India’s experienced and mature diplomacy will not be able to handle.
 
China continues to deepen its ties with India‘s neighbours to create a “string of pearls’’ to contain it. India, through its Neighbourhood First, Act East and SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in The Region) Policies, has been assiduously reaching out to its land and maritime neighbours with positive and encouraging results.
 
India should continue to accord priority to its neighbours. It needs to use all assets at its command of development cooperation, soft power, culture, language, cuisine, music etc. to significantly deepen its ties with its neighbouring countries.

(The writer is a Distinguished Fellow at Ananta Aspen Centre; he was the ambassador of India to Kazakhstan Sweden and Latvia; views expressed here are his own.)

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