In an interview with the Times of India on Thursday, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu asserted that the presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives without the approval of Parliament is against the letter and spirit of the Constitution.
Muizzu asserted that a decision not to withdraw the forces would result in disregarding the “democratic will” of the Maldivian people.
Requested India to Return Military Personnel
Muizzu reiterated his demand for India to remove its military presence from the country.
He said that the Maldivian people are not in favour of foreign military personnel being stationed in the Maldives. “Right now, it is India that maintains such a presence in the Maldives. To honour this mandate, I have requested India to return the military personnel,” he said.
#Exclusive | India not withdrawing forces will imperil democracy in Maldives, defence ties will continue: President Muizzu https://t.co/JqxDNXlTAx
— The Times Of India (@timesofindia) January 4, 2024
Cooperation with India
However, Muizzu exuded confidence that the issue of military presence would be resolved through dialogue. While rejecting any possibility of any permanent military presence in the country, Muizzu expressed positivity about defence cooperation with India.
This includes building operational readiness of the Maldivian National Defence Force.
He mentioned that such cooperation is based on mutual respect and trust. Calling India one of the closest friends of Maldives, he said that both the countries share traditional and cultural roots. “The relationship between two countries is growing at an intensified rate in areas such as trade, commerce, investment, and tourism,” he said.
Will Follow Pro-Maldives Policy
When inquired about the alleged pro-China tilt in his approach, Muizzu said he would follow only a pro-Maldives policy.
The Maldivian President came to power riding on an anti-India sentiment in the wake of the “India Out Campaign.” Removing Indian military presence from the country was his primary poll promise.
He won after a vociferous campaign against former President Ibrahim Solih, who was accused of compromising the country’s security by allowing Indian boots on the ground.
Moreover, Muizzu ditched India to visit Turkey for his first visit upon being elected. He is now scheduled to visit China before he makes a visit to India. Other than asking India to withdraw its 77 military personnel, Muizzu has also reviewed several agreements signed by the Solih government with India, including a refusal to renew a hydrographic survey pact.