India-Maldives Row: Relations between Maldives and India are continuously increasing. Meanwhile, Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu once again raised the slogan of ‘India Out’ on Sunday (January 14).
According to the news of news agency PTI, Mohammad Muizzu has again reiterated the demand for India to withdraw its military forces from Maldives. He has given the date till 15th March. Earlier, Maldives had demanded removal of Indian troops two months ago. If government figures are to be believed, there are 88 Indian soldiers in Maldives.
President Mohammad Muizzu, who returned home after a recent visit to China, is now continuously making sharp statements about India. Even on Saturday (January 13), during the press conference, Muizzu had indirectly said without taking the name of India that ‘We may be small but that does not give them the license to threaten us.’
Maldives President’s Office Secretary cited government policy
According to the report of Sun Online newspaper, Public Policy Secretary in the President’s Office Abdullah Nazim Ibrahim said during the press briefing that President Muizzu has formally asked India to withdraw its troops by March 15. He has also made it clear that Indian soldiers cannot stay in Maldives. Citing the policy of the Maldives government, Nazim said that this is the policy of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu and his administration.
High level core group formed for withdrawal of soldiers
The Secretary has also claimed that a high level core group has been formed between the two countries regarding the issue of withdrawal of troops. The first meeting of the core group was held on Sunday at the Ministry of External Affairs headquarters in Male. Officials from both the countries also participated in it. Indian High Commissioner to Maldives Munu Mahawar was present in the meeting from India’s side. The meeting agenda has been confirmed by Maldives’ Public Policy Secretary Nazim, in which the withdrawal of troops is to take place within a stipulated time frame.
On the other hand, no immediate comment has been made by the Government of India on this matter and media reports.
Mohammed Muizzu became the new President of Maldives on 17 November.
Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu is known as a pro-Chinese leader. On November 17 last year, he was sworn in as the new President of Maldives. Immediately after taking oath, he raised questions regarding the deployment of Indian soldiers in Maldives. After this, the Prime Minister at the COP28 summit held in Dubai Narendra Modi And Mohammad Muizzu had met.
Also met President Xi Jinping during his visit to China
Recently, derogatory comments were made by 3 ministers of Muizzu government and their party leaders regarding PM Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. On this he was removed. Despite this, relations between the two countries are continuously deteriorating. Muizzu also met President Xi Jinping during his 5-day visit to China. After this, every day different statements are coming out from Maldives regarding India.
Also read:Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu said – ‘We are small, but this is not a license to threaten us’