Syllabus: GS- II, Subject: International Relations, Topic: India and its Neighbourhood, Issue: India-Maldives
Context: Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu’s calls for removal of Indian troops from the island nation.
India Maldives defence partnership:
- 1988 – An attempted coup in the Maldives.
- Operation Cactus – Indian forces intervene at the request of the Maldivian president to restore order.
- Solidified India’s image as a regional security provider.
- India provides training to Maldivian military personnel.
- India has donated military equipment and has personnel stationed to operate them for humanitarian and surveillance purposes.
Recent strain in relationship:
- Maldives president Mohamed Muizzu was elected on the “India out” campaign.
- The new Maldivian government
- Requested the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
- Refused to renew 2019 hydrographic survey agreement.
- Skipped Colombo security conclave held in Mauritius.
- Derogatory comments by Maldivian ministers against PM Modi.
- Tilt towards China:
➢ Elevate relations to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership.”
➢ Military pact with China to provide free military assistance.
