Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s request to the Indian government to withdraw it’s military personnel from his country is on the discussion table in New Delhi, where the two sides are preparing to share options that can be a win win for both sides, keeping the ‘Maldives-first’ momentum to the relations that go back a long way.
On the table are few options being placed by the Indian side which isn’t ready for a complete withdrawal of it’s presence, military or non-military, keeping in mind the safety and security of the Indian Ocean region. The Indian presence has so far helped in several rescue and emergency efforts and a lot of it’s naval presence is synonymous to these drills that have been taking place for several years, sources said.
While it is obvious that the security of the Indian Ocean region is of strategic interest to Centre which is playing a larger role than many of it’s partners besides securing it’s own maritime interests, sources said adding there is a need to recognise that the demand may not be completely met.
India is in no hurry to remove it’s personnel but at the same time it is sensitive to the request, which is why both sides are appointing a representative each to thrash out a way forward. These interlocutors are expected to take the ongoing discussions forward.
If a middle ground can be reached, Maldives may see non-military Indian personnel, off it’s shores assisting it in ways that allows both countries to progress in ties further, while allowing each other secure their interests. Non-uniform relief and rescue personnel have in the past assisted friendly countries and may also be the way forward in certain regions, where Indian deployments can change shape and form, sources said.
Over the years, India’s growing strength in disaster response and relief has been appreciated in the Indo-Pacific region particularly, where it has focused on using it’s dedicated expertise like the National Disaster Response Force teams for handling all kinds of operations in natural and man-made disasters within the country and on foreign shores like Japan after the Tsunami and other calamities.
Securing the Indian ocean is India’s responsibility, a security official said, adding that despite pressure tactics by the Chinese who may like to curtail India’s influence in the region and expand their strategic presence, the talks with the Maldivian government will aim at a middle ground that not only creates a deterrent against foreign interference but continues to allow India to be the eyes and ears of the land and sea.