India-Maldives bilateral talks begin amidst political turmoil

New Delhi, Feb 2: The second meeting of the India-Maldives high-level core group took place in New Delhi today, where discussions continued on a wide range of issues aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation, officials said.

The focus was on expediting the implementation of ongoing development projects. Both sides reached a consensus on practical solutions to ensure the uninterrupted operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian and medevac services in the Maldives.

The decision to establish the High-Level Core Group was made following a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Muizzu during the COP28 summit in Dubai in December. The first meeting occurred in Male, and it was agreed to hold the next one in Male' on a mutually convenient date.

Tensions arose last month when President Muizzu requested the withdrawal of all Indian military personnel from the Maldives by March 15. Currently, around 77 Indian military personnel operate two helicopters and an aircraft, conducting numerous medical evacuations and humanitarian missions.

Muizzu, who came to power in November, had pledged to remove Indian military personnel from the country, signalling a shift toward a more pro-China stance.

The strained relations contrast with the previous government's era, which witnessed positive momentum in bilateral ties, particularly in defence and security cooperation. The recent developments put additional pressure on President Muizzu, who faces opposition in the Maldivian Parliament and potential impeachment challenges.

India, despite allocating a substantial budget of 600 million crore Indian Rupees (USD 72 million) for grant assistance to the Maldives for the projected state budget from March 2024 to April 2025, reduced its aid by USD 20 million compared to the previous fiscal year.

This financial support aligns with India's ongoing commitment to aid neighbouring countries, but it occurs against the backdrop of escalating political and diplomatic challenges in the Maldives and increased global interest in the region.

The situation in the Maldives remains complex, with President Muizzu confronting changes to the Parliament's standing orders and potential impeachment challenges.

This political and diplomatic turbulence unfolds amidst strained relations with India and heightened geopolitical attention from major global powers. The upcoming parliamentary elections on March 17 add further complexity.