India has recently unveiled plans to enhance its military presence in proximity to the Maldives, a decision that is widely perceived as a responsive measure to the Maldives President’s growing alignment with China. The Indian Navy made the announcement strategically just days before the deadline set by Male for the withdrawal of Indian troops.
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In a press release issued on Saturday, March 2, 2024, the Indian Navy disclosed its intent to reinforce forces on strategically vital islands in close proximity to the Maldives. The inauguration of the new base, scheduled for March 6 on the Lakshadweep islands, signifies a transformative step, converting an existing small detachment into an ‘independent naval unit’.
Lakshadweep Emerges as a Key Player in Regional Dynamics
This strategic maneuver effectively brings the Indian military approximately 258 kilometers closer to Male, with the southernmost island of Lakshadweep, Minicoy, being a pivotal point straddling vital sea lines of communications, as emphasized by the Navy.
The official statement highlights that the purpose of the new base extends beyond a mere military presence. The enhanced facility on Lakshadweep islands is poised to serve as a catalyst for advancing anti-piracy and anti-narcotic operations. It is framed within a broader policy aimed at ‘incrementally augmenting security infrastructure at strategically important islands’.
This calculated move by India adds a palpable layer of tension to the geopolitical landscape in the region. Significantly, the diplomatic ties between these nations were thrown into disarray in January 2024, sparked by controversial remarks from some Maldives ministers directed at Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Lakshadweep island. This incident ignited a social media storm, prompting Indian citizens to cancel their planned trips to Male.
Muizzu’s Pro-China Stance Amplifies India-Maldives Rift
The announcement coincides with relations between India and the Maldives have experienced a downturn since the election victory of President Mohamed Muizzu, who aligns with China and has pledged to expel Indian troops. The strained relationship predates Mohamed Muizzu’s presidency in the island nation. Muizzu, a perceived pro-China candidate, commenced his election campaign with slogans openly critical of India.
Upon assuming office, Muizzu met with Prime Minister Modi in Dubai during a climate conference, where he vociferously urged the Indian leader to withdraw their military presence from his country. President Muizzu’s call for the withdrawal of 89 Indian security personnel, responsible for operating reconnaissance aircraft, furnishes the strained diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Subsequently, officials from both nations convened in New Delhi, with Male asserting that India had agreed to recall its personnel—an assertion yet to be officially confirmed by the Ministry of External Affairs.
In a recent development, the Maldives announced that the initial cadre of civilians, tasked with replacing Indian troops and managing the helicopters provided by New Delhi for medical purposes in Male, has arrived and assumed responsibilities. As per the recent statement from the Maldivian Defence Ministry, “The civilian crew, set to operate the helicopter in lieu of the Indian troops stationed in Seenu Gan (Addu city), has arrived in the Maldives this evening.”
Why are Indian troops there?
In the remote archipelago of India’s commitment, soldiers not only bear arms but also carry the torch of humanity, providing indispensable aid and orchestrating medical evacuations for the distant islands’ inhabitants. Two helicopters and a vigilant Dornier aircraft, primarily assigned to marine surveillance, search and rescue missions, and medical evacuations, have been bestowed upon Male, effectively managed by the proficient Indian troops. This operation’s inception traces back to 2010, under the presidency of Mohamed Nasheed.
Indian Troops’ Humanitarian Commitment
- Operation Inception: 2010, under President Mohamed Nasheed.
- Assets: Two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.
- Roles: Marine surveillance, search and rescue, medical evacuations.
India and the Maldives have cultivated a historically robust alliance, with New Delhi serving as the lifeline for the island nation’s 500,000 residents. From sustenance like rice and vegetables to vital medicines and humanitarian support, the symbiotic relationship has flourished. However, this alliance, marked by India’s military intervention in 1998 against a coup attempt, has not been immune to strains. The concern looms large as allegations of Indian interference in domestic politics persist.
President Muizzu’s ascent to power in November, propelled by an ‘India Out’ campaign, marked a departure from the pro-India stance of his predecessors. In his pursuit of sovereignty, he deems New Delhi’s influence a looming threat and pledges to eradicate Indian troops from Maldivian soil.
In the vast geopolitical chessboard, New Delhi and Beijing find themselves entangled in a rivalry, vying for supremacy in the Maldives. The strategic location of the islands, flanking the Indian Ocean’s vital trade routes, intensifies this contest. With nearly 80 percent of China’s oil imports traversing these waters, India perceives any potential Chinese military encroachment in the Maldives as a grave regional threat. Recent assaults on maritime trade routes underscore the urgency to safeguard these crucial pathways.
As the curtain rises on geopolitical maneuvering, the Maldives, burdened by a debt of $1.37 billion owed to China, is caught in the crossfire. During Muizzu’s recent state visit to Beijing, the strategic partnership between China and the Maldives deepened, adding a layer of complexity to the region’s intricate geopolitical tapestry.
