India is initiating the withdrawal of its initial contingent of military personnel from the Maldives, a move scheduled to commence on Sunday, as the island nation edges closer to China. The phased pullback of approximately 80 Indian troops is mandated by a May deadline imposed by President Mohamed Muizzu, whose perceived pro-China stance has stirred concerns.

Indian authorities have clarified that the stationed troops were primarily tasked with operating and maintaining two helicopters and a small aircraft provided by India years ago for rescue and reconnaissance purposes. Muizzu, who assumed office in November after promising to remove Indian troops, is fulfilling an electoral pledge.

Traditionally, India has exerted significant influence over the Maldives, strategically positioned in the Indian Ocean. However, recent months have seen a deterioration in relations, partly attributed to Muizzu's confrontational stance towards Delhi, creating an opening that China seeks to exploit in its regional power dynamics.

In a diplomatic compromise, India and Male have agreed to replace military personnel with Indian civilian technical staff to operate the aircraft. Despite this concession, concerns linger over the Maldives potentially becoming entangled in the broader Asian power rivalry, especially as China extends its economic and military footprint in the region.