Maldives has requested India to remove its troops by March 15 amid escalating diplomatic tensions.

Against a backdrop of escalating diplomatic tensions, the Maldives has reportedly pressed India to withdraw its limited troop presence by March 15. The demand emerged during the first meeting of the joint "high-level core group," indicating a two-month ultimatum according to Maldivian media. While India refrained from directly addressing the deadline, discussions centered around finding mutually agreeable solutions for the uninterrupted operation of Indian aviation platforms supporting humanitarian and medical services. The meeting covered various aspects of bilateral cooperation and the acceleration of ongoing development projects.

This request for troop withdrawal follows Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu's recent anti-India sentiments, articulated after he visits China. During this visit, he sought Chinese support and underscored the shared ownership of the Indian Ocean among nations. The official communication of the request for India's troop withdrawal was made during the meeting of the high-level core group. Notably, President Muizzu had previously claimed that India agreed to remove its soldiers, emphasizing ongoing discussions on operationalizing Indian humanitarian assistance through existing platforms.

President Muizzu's outreach to China and his praise for the Belt and Road Initiative have added complexity to India-Maldives relations. This complexity is further heightened by derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and subsequent tourist cancellations, reflecting a strained bilateral dynamic. The situation underscores the intricate challenges faced by both nations in maintaining diplomatic equilibrium amid geopolitical shifts.