Maldives President Muizzu asked India to take withdraw Indian troops from Maldives
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has reportedly urged the Indian government to withdraw Indian troops from the island nation before March 15, according to sources from the Maldives-based Adhadhu newspaper.
The request came after a meeting between officials from the Indian High Commission in the Maldives and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Malé. Abdulla Nazim, the Policy Director of the Maldives President's Office, stated during a press conference that President Muizzu proposed the removal of Indian troops by March 15. Discussions on this proposal are currently underway.
Indian Troops cannot stay in Maldives
Nazim emphasized that the presence of Indian troops is not in line with the wishes of the Maldivian people and highlighted it as a key policy of the government. "The most important point is that Indian troops cannot stay in this country. That is the policy of this government. That is the promise of President Mohammed Muizzu and what the people want," he said.
The meeting was attended by Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar, Joint Secretary, and other senior Indian officials, while senior officials from the Maldives Foreign Ministry and the President's Office represented the Maldives.
Notably, the removal of Indian troops in the Maldives was a central campaign promise of Muizzu's party. Currently, there are around 70 Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters.
President Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives on the second day of assuming office. In December last year, he claimed that an agreement had been reached with the Indian government for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
India Maldives Row
This development follows a diplomatic row over disparaging remarks made by some Maldivian officials against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. The Maldivian government distanced itself from these remarks, emphasizing the importance of the close partnership with India.
Meanwhile, President Muizzu recently concluded a state visit to China from January 7-12, where he was invited by President Xi Jinping. Xi hosted a state banquet for President Muizzu and First Lady Sajidha Mohamed during the visit.
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