Muizzu has persistently urged India to withdraw its military personnel

He stresses it as a matter of national sovereignty

Indian military presence is fewer than a 100

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has persistently urged India to withdraw its military personnel from the archipelago, with deadlines set for March 10 and May 10. Despite the Indian contingent’s modest size of fewer than 100, Muizzu insists on their departure, framing it as a matter of national sovereignty. 

The strained India-Maldives relationship is underscored by recent events, including Muizzu’s anti-India rhetoric and the signing of military agreements with China. India’s announcement of a new naval base near the Maldives further heightens tensions. Muizzu, who campaigned on a promise to remove Indian troops, misrepresents their numbers to portray India as imposing military dominance. Analysts suggest Muizzu’s stance reflects his pro-China leanings and desire to assert Maldivian autonomy in the face of longstanding Indian assistance.

Muizzu lies about Indian military strength 

Muizzu falsely claimed the presence of “thousands” of Indian troops, though only around 80 personnel are stationed in the Maldives. Muizzu cited sovereignty concerns, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. The dispute reflects strained India-Maldives relations, exacerbated by Muizzu’s pro-China stance and India’s naval expansion near the archipelago.