Maldives Demands Withdrawal of Indian Troops Amid Diplomatic Row

President Muizzu Strengthens Ties with China, Plans to Reduce Dependence on India

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has demanded the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives by March 15, 2024. This move follows a diplomatic row with India and a state visit to China, during which 20 agreements were signed between the two countries.
President Muizzu, who was elected on an 'India Out' platform, has been critical of India's influence in the Maldives, stating that the country's small size does not give anyone the license to bully it.
India has traditionally had strong ties with the Maldives, with Indian troops providing humanitarian aid and medical evacuations. However, Muizzu has pledged to reduce the Maldives' dependence on India, including expanding healthcare to Thailand and the UAE, and importing staples from Turkey and medicines from Europe and the US.
China, India's regional rival, has become a significant partner for the Maldives. During President Muizzu's visit to China, the two countries upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership, and China pledged to extend funding for infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture in the Maldives.
The diplomatic row with India began after three Maldivian government deputy ministers posted derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media. This led to calls for a boycott of the Maldives by Indians, who made up the largest share of foreign arrivals in the country last year.