Indian Troop Withdrawal: President Muizzu Addresses Parliament on Evacuation Plan

In his inaugural parliamentary speech, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu reaffirmed his anti-India stance, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to preserving its sovereignty. This statement follows a recent agreement between New Delhi and Male for the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives by May 10.

President Muizzu outlined the evacuation plan, indicating that the Indian Army would withdraw from one aviation platform by March 10, 2024, and the remaining two by May 10, 2024. Approximately 80 soldiers stationed in the Indian Ocean archipelago will be replaced by civilians. The Maldivian Foreign Ministry confirmed India’s commitment to the troop withdrawal.

Tensions between India and the Maldives escalated since Muizzu assumed the presidency, challenging the “India First” policy. The President called for the removal of troops supporting military equipment and aiding humanitarian efforts by March 15. The opposition, led by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), boycotted Muizzu’s parliamentary address, aiming to undermine the Parliament’s integrity. The Democrats, another opposition party, joined the boycott, citing concerns over rejected cabinet members being invited to the sitting. The withdrawal agreement was reached during a high-level meeting in the Indian capital, addressing various aspects of bilateral cooperation.