The newly-elected President of the Maldives, Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, has wasted no time in requesting the removal of Indian troops from the country. In an exclusive interview with the BBC, he reiterated his promise to the Maldivian people: "We don't want any foreign military boots on Maldivian soil." This move is expected to strain diplomatic relations between Malé and Delhi, as the Maldives has traditionally been under India's influence.

Dr. Muizzu's election victory was seen as a setback for India, given his opponent's, the incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, efforts to strengthen ties with Delhi. Mr. Muizzu's alliance advocates closer relations with China, a nation that has invested heavily in the Maldives through loans and grants for infrastructure projects. However, India has also provided substantial development assistance to the Maldives, as it seeks a strategic foothold in the Indian Ocean.

In a bid to balance these competing interests, Dr. Muizzu's alliance includes the party of former President Abdulla Yameen, who had facilitated the Maldives' closer relationship with China. Yameen turned to Beijing for financial support when India and Western lenders were hesitant due to human rights allegations. Yameen's alignment with China's Belt and Road Initiative further solidified the Maldives' ties with China.

While Dr. Muizzu is determined to steer the Maldives away from India's sphere of influence, persuading Delhi to withdraw its troops presents a significant challenge. His election victory may not face internal resistance, but the international balancing act will be his first major test as the nation's new leader.