India Completes Military Withdrawal From Maldives
India has recently completed its military withdrawal from the Maldives, in accordance with President Mohamed Muizzu’s campaign promise. The withdrawal, which included 89 Indian soldiers managing military assets like two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, comes amid heightened tensions and a perceived shift in Maldivian foreign policy towards China. This marks a significant change in Indo-Maldivian relations, traditionally strong due to strategic and security collaborations in the Indian Ocean region. The repatriation was carried out in stages, finishing just before the May 10, 2024 deadline. This move by the Maldives to assert sovereignty and recalibrate its foreign alliances reflects broader regional dynamics, including competition between India and China for influence in the Indian Ocean.
