India-Maldives Military Personnel Transition: A Shift in Dynamics

India and the Maldives convened on Sunday to assess the ongoing process of replacing Indian military personnel operating aviation platforms in the Maldives, with Male authorities confirming the withdrawal of the second batch of personnel by April 10.

Following Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s directive to remove all Indian military personnel, India has initiated the substitution with civilian technical staff. The initial withdrawal involved personnel managing one helicopter earlier this month.

The third meeting of the bilateral high-level core group in Male reviewed the transition from military to civilian technical staff. Indian technical personnel will ensure the continued operation of two helicopters and an aircraft, facilitating humanitarian and medical evacuation services in the Maldives, according to a statement from the Indian external affairs ministry.

The Maldivian foreign ministry confirmed the replacement of military personnel for one aviation platform with civilians, with plans to replace personnel for the remaining two platforms by April 10 and May 10 respectively.

Previously, Muizzu had demanded the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel by March 15, as part of his efforts to align closer with China. However, a compromise was reached during an earlier core group meeting, agreeing on a phased withdrawal by May 10.

The core group discussed various bilateral cooperation matters, including expediting India-backed development projects and enhancing trade, investment, and people-to-people ties. They scheduled the next core group meeting in New Delhi at a mutually convenient time.

In a move to reduce reliance on India, the Maldives has secured medical evacuation services from Sri Lanka and signed agreements with China for military equipment and training. This marks a shift from the Maldives’ traditional dependence on India for military support. Muizzu also inaugurated the Maldives National Defence Force’s Air Corps, equipped with UAVs from Turkiye, to bolster territorial surveillance, aiming to expand their UAV fleet further.