Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu on Sunday announced that India has agreed to withdraw its troops from his country.
This statement of Muizzu came after the UAE summit. On the other hand, sources in the Central Government have said that both the parties are still discussing this matter.
Muizzu’s hasty announcement amidst the discussion shows how eager he is to remove Indian troops from Maldives.
It is also being told that during the summit in Dubai, there was a brief discussion on this matter between PM Narendra Modi and Muizzu.
Muizzu has raised the issue of removal of Indian troops several times since forming the government in Maldives. Muizzu had also raised the issue of Indian soldiers during the election campaign. Muizzu is also known as a leader with a soft attitude towards China.
Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu told reporters in Male, “In the discussions we had, the Indian government has agreed to withdraw Indian troops… We have also agreed to set up a high-level committee to resolve issues related to development projects.” Has happened.”
Despite the Maldivian President saying that New Delhi has agreed to the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, central government sources clarified that both sides are currently engaged in discussions on the matter.
Discussion between PM Modi and Muizzu
According to government sources, the issue of troop withdrawal was briefly discussed during the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the President of Maldives on the sidelines of the COP29 climate summit in Dubai. Sources also said that Maldives is very eager for the withdrawal of Indian troops. The matter is still under discussion between the two parties.
Muizzu eager for withdrawal of Indian troops
Muizzu, who recently became the President of Maldives, had formally requested India to withdraw its troops on November 18.
Muizzu has already raised the issue of sending back Indian soldiers during the election campaign. Soon after assuming power earlier this month, he had stressed that he was strongly committed to ensuring that his country was “free” from any “foreign military presence” to maintain its independence and sovereignty. are.
Position of Indian soldiers in Maldives
In October, Muizzu had said that talks had begun with India to remove its military presence in Maldives. The withdrawal of Indian troops has been the main issue of Muizzu’s party’s election campaign.
Currently, around 70 Indian troops are deployed in Maldives along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL helicopters.
closeness to china
There are good relations between China and Muizzu’s party. China’s influence in Maldives has become clearly visible in the last few years. China has invested heavily there. Apart from this, 10 islands there have been given on lease.
According to reports, China is also deploying ships there and carrying out large-scale military operations. A free trade agreement with Maldives has also been discussed by China.