Mohammed Muizzu, President of Maldives.
India has agreed to withdraw its troops from Maldives. This claim has been made by the newly elected President of Maldives Mohammad Muizzu. He said on Sunday that after our appeal, the Indian government has agreed to withdraw its troops from Maldives. Muizzu won the presidential election in Maldives in September. He campaigned to change the “India first” policy in the Maldives and promised to remove the small Indian military presence of 75 personnel.
“In the discussions we had, the Indian government has agreed to withdraw the Indian troops,” Muizzu told reporters. “We have also agreed to set up a high-level committee to resolve issues related to development projects.” Muizzu made the comments after talks with Indian officials on the sidelines of the COP28 climate summit. India’s External Affairs Ministry said on Sunday. did not immediately respond to his comment.
There is competition between India and China in Maldives
India and China are competing to establish their influence in the region. Till now India has been influential in Maldives. But the newly elected President Muizzu remains in support of China. He is known for anti-India statements. Earlier, India had given two helicopters and one Dornier aircraft to Maldives. Most of the Indian military personnel were present in Maldives for their operation and management. Their total number is 75. But under the influence of China, Muizzu had promised to send back the Indian troops if he came to power before the elections.
Whereas India also provides a lot of military equipment to Maldives. Also helps in disaster response. It is also helping in building a naval base there. During his swearing-in ceremony, Muizzu had said that he would ensure that there was no foreign military presence in his country. He requested the withdrawal of Indian forces to India’s Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju, who represented India at the presidential inauguration.
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