Stepping up the rhetoric, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed no Indian troops will remain after May 10, regardless of uniforms.
His statement comes as an Indian civilian team took charge of Maldives’ aviation facilities ahead of the March 10 deadline to replace military personnel.
Addressing residents, Muizzu – regarded as pro-China – said rumors of troops returning disguised are false. “There will be no Indian presence by May 10, in or out of uniform,” he asserted.
This was even as the Maldives inked a new military aid pact with China. Last month, both sides agreed India would replace the 88 troops operating helicopters and aircraft by May with civilians by March 10.
The troops have provided humanitarian services for years. But Muizzu, elected on an anti-India plank, immediately demanded their removal last year.
While Addu helicopters will be first reassigned, reports say Hanimaadhoo and Kahdhoo contingents will depart by May 10 as scheduled.
India consented to replacing troops with equivalent civilian numbers. But critics claim these are masked military, with no verification.
Muizzu further prioritizes regaining “southern areas” and full independence. Located near India, Maldives’ strategic import is vast in the commercial shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean.
Its growing tilt towards China challenges India’s traditional influence amid Muizzu’s fresh assertion of an India-free Maldives. Cooperation depends on mutual respect.
