India-Maldives row: In Indian troop withdrawal talks, what significance 15 March holds for President Muizzu?

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Muizzu has asked India to withdraw their troops from the tourist island before 15 March. The troops, which India says provide help with humanitarian aid and medical evacuations for the residents of the remote islands of the country, have become a point of contention between India and Maldives, since President Muizzu, also known to be pro-China, assumed the seat of governance. However, reports suggest that the specific deadline to withdraw Indian troops from Maldives had more to do with a certain upcoming election, which holds significance for Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC).

Notably, Muizzu's party lost the Male mayoral election to the Maldivian Democratic Party, which wants to maintain ties with India, on 14 January. The loss also came amid Muizzu's visit to China, skipping an India visit. For the PNC to cement its hold over Maldives, it is crucial that they win the Majlis elections, set to be held on 17 March, two days after the Indian troop withdrawal.

Officials in both Male and Delhi say that 77 Indian soldiers are posted in the archipelago country. There are also 12 medical personnel from the Indian armed forces, reports Reuters. India has also given Male two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft, which are mostly used for marine surveillance, search and rescue operations and medical evacuations.

During the first meeting of the India and Maldives core group, Maldivian representative Ali Naseer asked Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Munu Mahawar to replace the defence personnel with civilian crew by 15 March. Delhi’s response will come in the February round, reports Hindustan Times. The two ALH under Maldivian colours, one Dornier aircraft and one OPV have all been grounded, the HT report adds.