Amid diplomatic row, Jaishankar holds talks with Maldives foreign minister on withdrawal of Indian troops from the island

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: India and its neighborhood- relations.

Issue: India-Maldives Row.

Context: Discussions on the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, as well as expediting the completion of ongoing development projects in the Maldives, and cooperation within SAARC and NAM.

Background:

Steps taken by Maldives after Mr. Muizzu came into Power:

• Choosing Turkeyfor his first official visit as a foreign destination, unlike past Maldivian Presidents.
• Absence from the meeting of the NSA-level Colombo Security Conclave(Member-state- India, Sri Lanka, Maldives and Mauritius).
• Vow to change the Maldives’s ‘India First’ policyadopted under his predecessor and remove Indian military personnel from the island nation.
• Decided not to renewthe hydrography cooperation agreement with India after its expiry on 7 June 2024.Top of FormTop of Form

Way Forward:

Diplomatic engagement and open communication to address concerns and foster understanding.

Source: Indian Express