India has initiated the first phase of troop withdrawal from the Maldives amidst a lockdown imposed by the island nation. President Mohammad Muijju, who is seen as pro-Chinese, has set a deadline of May for the gradual withdrawal of approximately 80 Indian troops from the country.

Muijju's election pledge was to remove Indian troops, and he came to power in November last year through the 'India Out' campaign, as reported by BBC News. India has had a significant influence in the Maldives for some time, using its presence to monitor a crucial part of the Indian Ocean. However, relations between the two countries have been strained in recent months, providing an opportunity for regional power China to capitalize on.

Despite the tension, Delhi and Male have reached an agreement to maintain two search and rescue helicopters and a small aircraft provided by India, operated by civilian personnel from India. The first team of civilian personnel has already arrived in the Maldives.

Former Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Sharan explained that while the troops are being withdrawn, the aircraft will remain in the Maldives, with Indian civilian personnel responsible for maintenance. However, some analysts caution that the Maldives could find itself caught in the middle of power struggles among Asia's major players.

China has extended over $1 billion in loans to the Maldives in recent years. Muijju's anti-India stance led to agreements with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his visit to China last January. Additionally, the Maldivian government recently signed a 'military assistance' agreement with China, a move that has raised eyebrows in Delhi.

Azim Zahir, a Maldivian political analyst, described the move as unprecedented, noting that it marks the first time the Maldives has signed a defense agreement with Beijing for military assistance. Last month, Muijju's administration permitted a Chinese research vessel to dock in Male, despite opposition from Delhi, which has also expressed concerns about the development. 

As tensions escalate and geopolitical dynamics evolve in the region, the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives signals a shifting landscape that could have far-reaching implications for regional security and stability.