President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has reaffirmed that no foreign military personnel are currently stationed in the Maldives for military operations, addressing ongoing accusations of Indian troop presence.
During a presidential debate hosted by Sangu TV and PSM, President Solih clarified that training activities are being conducted in the Maldives under agreements with foreign nations, but foreign troops engaged in these exercises do not perform military operations within the Maldives.
"There are no foreign troops in this country today for military operations—neither yesterday nor before that," he said.
The president expressed his belief that the presence of foreign military personnel in the Maldives for training was not a cause for concern. He emphasized that these training programs and events involve not only Indian military personnel but also military personnel from various other countries.
Regarding Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF), President Solih asserted that the island belongs to the Maldives and that India was developing it as an aid.
"It is the army's property, and there will be no foreign troops, Indian troops, or any other personnel there."
The President invited anyone with concerns about the UTF agreement to disclose relevant information. He assured that these agreements do not contain clauses that jeopardize the security and independence of the Maldives and emphasized that the Maldives would remain a sovereign and independent nation.
