November 18, 2023 | Malé - In his first address to the nation after being sworn into power, President Mohammed Muizzu of the Republic of Maldives pledged to remove foreign military personnel stationed in the strategically located archipelago. Although he did not name India directly, he indicated the eviction of approximately 50 to 75 Indian security personnel deployed in the Maldives.

During the televised, open-air ceremony held on November 17, President Muizzu, 45, stated, "The country will not have any foreign military personnel in the Maldives." He emphasized the importance of national security and his commitment to respecting the sovereignty and red lines of other nations.

President Muizzu, a former mayor of the capital city Male and a construction minister for seven years, had campaigned on cultivating strong ties with China, a significant financial supporter of the Maldives. However, when questioned about replacing Indian troops with Chinese forces, he reassured that he had no intentions to disrupt the regional balance.

Representatives from China and India, along with officials from Bangladesh, the Seychelles, and Sri Lanka, were present at the ceremony. China was represented by State Councillor Shen Yiqin, who acted as a special envoy of President Xi Jinping. India, on the other hand, sent Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijiju instead of President Droupadi Murmu, as previously anticipated.

The Maldives, an archipelago with a population of approximately 380,000 Sunni Muslims, has historically been within India's sphere of influence. However, concerns arose in New Delhi during the presidency of Abdullah Yameen, as he heavily borrowed from China for various construction projects, leading to apprehensions about Beijing's expanding footprint in the region.

President Muizzu, a British-educated civil engineer, has expressed his intention to work closely with both India and China, stressing the importance of cooperation with all nations. He also hopes to initiate negotiations with India regarding the withdrawal of Indian personnel deployed to operate three gifted aircraft.

Apart from geopolitical considerations, President Muizzu faces the daunting challenge of rising sea levels due to climate change, which pose a significant threat to the Maldives. With 80% of the country situated less than a meter (three feet) above sea level, addressing this issue will undoubtedly be a top priority for his administration.

As President Muizzu takes charge as the eighth President of the Maldives since gaining independence from Britain in 1965, his commitment to removing foreign military presence from the nation signifies a shift in the country's foreign policy. The coming days will reveal the steps he takes to uphold his promises and navigate the delicate balance between regional powers.

Note: This article is based on the information provided and does not include any opinions or additional contextual information.