Amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and the Maldives, Navy Chief R Hari Kumar clarified that the Indian government has not instructed the withdrawal of defense personnel from the island nation. The row ignited when Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, urged India to withdraw troops last year. Talks between the nations are ongoing, with 88 Indian soldiers currently stationed in Maldives. Besides personnel, India has provided helicopters and an aircraft for marine surveillance and rescue operations. The Maldivian president, distancing from ministers’ anti-India remarks, requests civilian crew placement, setting a March 15 deadline. Meanwhile, the opposition warns that Maldives’ shift towards China and an “anti-India stance” may harm the nation’s long-term development. The Maldivian Democratic Party and the Democrats emphasize the importance of working with all development partners, particularly India, as stability and security in the Indian Ocean region are crucial for Maldives’ stability. The strained ties and geopolitical shifts pose challenges for the island nation’s foreign policy.