India Maldives Row: What does the Indian Army do in Maldives, and why does President Muizzu want to take it out of the country?

Posted on 16th Jan 2024 by rohit kumar

India Maldives Row. PM Modi visited Lakshadweep a few days ago. The Prime Minister also shared some pictures from there on social media. In these pictures, three leaders of Maldives made objectionable comments towards India and PM Modi.

 

Due to the statements of Maldivian leaders, relations between the two countries deteriorated. At the same time, due to the inclination of the Muizzu government towards China, the relationship between the two may deteriorate further. Meanwhile, President Mohammad Muizzu has officially given time to India to withdraw its troops on March 15.

 

What are Indian soldiers doing in Maldives?

India says that the soldiers help in relief and rescue operations along with providing humanitarian aid to the citizens of Maldives (Indian Army in Maldives). India has also given two helicopters and one drone aircraft to Maldives. They are mainly used in maritime surveillance, search and rescue operations, and medical evacuation. India's first helicopters and crew began operations in the Maldives in 2010. At that time Mohammed Nasheed was the President of Maldives.

 

Maldivian President Mohammed Mujhuzzu has said that India should withdraw its troops living in Maldives by March 15.

 

Muizzu has set this deadline after returning from his trip to China. However, India has not yet responded to his demand. Let us know how many Indian soldiers are there in the Maldives and what are they doing there.

 

how many Indian soldiers

Officials say that 77 Indian soldiers are deployed in Maldives. Apart from this, there are also 12 medical shortages in the Indian Armed Forces.

 

China's role in Maldives

Maldives is such a place that it has strategic importance from a security point of view. In such a situation, China also wants to increase its influence in Maldives. Maldives' population of about five lahks is dependent on India for rice, vegetables, medicines, and humanitarian aid.

 

But in November last year, Mujhju became the President. He had promised in the elections to expel Indian soldiers from Maldives. Muizzu also deviated from tradition and chose China for his first foreign trip. Earlier, the President of Maldives has been Select India for his first foreign visit. Muizzu is considered a supporter of China.

 

Maldives' increasing dependence on China

Let us tell you that this island is located on one of the busiest maritime trade highways in the Indian Ocean. About 80 percent of China's oil imports pass through here. At the same time, China's military presence in Maldives has become a serious threat to India's security.

 

Also Read: Ramlalla Pran Pratishtha: PM Modi started a special ritual of 11 days, remembering his mother and said this in the audio message

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