Muizzu, much like his predecessor and pro-China mentor Yameen, aims to see the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives after he is inaugurated as the President on November 17.
The President-elect of the Maldives, Mohammed Muizzu, has prioritized the removal of Indian troops from the island nation, based on his electoral victory centered on the “Out India” campaign. His intent became clear during a meeting with Indian Ambassador to the Maldives, Monu Mahawar, on October 4. Muizzu’s primary agenda after assuming the presidency on November 17 is to request the departure of Indian troops within one week.
It is important to note that the Indian contingent’s presence in the Maldives was primarily for disaster relief purposes and not for any overt or covert military operations within or outside the country.
India and the Maldives have a long-standing relationship that spans centuries. India was the first nation to recognize the Maldives as an independent country in 1965 and establish diplomatic ties. Both countries share a history of colonial oppression and a common vision of independent growth and development. India has consistently been the first responder to the Maldives in times of both emergencies and long-term capacity-building initiatives. Both nations are vibrant democracies, which is why they naturally collaborate when needed.
India has actively supported the Maldives in enhancing its defense and security infrastructure through capacity-building efforts. India reaffirmed its role as a net security provider by gifting the Coast Guard Ship Huravee to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in 2006 to combat transnational crimes and enhance coastal surveillance. In May 2023, India delivered a replacement ship of the Trikant class to MNDF. India also provides regular training to MNDF personnel at various Indian establishments. Humanitarian assistance, including medical evacuations, search and rescue missions, and maritime patrols to prevent transnational crimes and drug trafficking, are key aspects of this defense cooperation between India and the Maldives.
The Indian aviation team, under MNDF leadership, plays a crucial role in humanitarian assistance. Given the geographical layout of the Maldives, which consists of islands separated by water bodies, transportation and mobility, especially during medical evacuations in life-threatening situations, can be challenging. Indian aircraft, including two helicopters and one Dornier, provide emergency assistance across the entire Maldivian community, saving lives from top to bottom. These aircraft, equipped with advanced medical equipment and trained medical personnel, swiftly evacuate critically ill or injured individuals to the mainland for specialized treatment. This capability ensures prompt response to medical emergencies, ultimately saving lives and alleviating suffering. Importantly, these aircraft are not designed for troop insertions, as some may falsely claim.
The impact of these operations is substantial. Over the past five years, Indian aircraft have saved over 500 lives through medical evacuations, ranging from one-day-old infants to 97-year-old individuals, in various weather conditions from all across the Maldives. These aircraft have transported numerous patients from remote islands to regional healthcare centers or the capital’s hospital. The Indian contingent and delivery platforms play a crucial role in these efforts.
These operations are carried out under challenging conditions, with limited support infrastructure on the islands. The aircraft maintain high serviceability levels through close coordination with various support agencies, including Service Headquarters, liaison units, depots, overseeing facilities, and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The Indian support services are exceptional, ensuring the readiness of the aircraft for round-the-clock operations. The Indian aviation teams, with limited resources, go the extra mile through innovation and resourcefulness to overcome maintenance challenges, demonstrating their commitment to providing the best services to the Maldives.
There is a close working relationship between MNDF and the Indian teams, fostering camaraderie through friendly sports competitions. The Indian team also maintains a warm and friendly relationship with the local Maldivian population, organizing events to celebrate the major occasions of both countries.
The close relationship between India and the Maldives extends beyond defense and hard security. The “India Out” campaign in the Maldives may attempt to cast a negative light on Indian aviation support, but in reality, their role is centered on saving lives and positively impacting the lives of everyday Maldivians. It is essential for President-elect Muizzu to recognize this fact.
