President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has announced that Indian military personnel will no longer be stationed in the Maldives, either in uniform or civilian attire, effective May 10.
Indian military personnel have been stationed in different points across the Maldives, operating aircraft and helicopters provided by India. This includes bases in Gan, Addu City, Laamu Kadhdhoo, and Haa Dhaalu Hanimaadhoo. The withdrawal of foreign military personnel, particularly Indian troops, was a central point in Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu's presidential campaign. Upon assuming power on November 17, Muizzu officially communicated the request to the Indian government.
High-level meetings were subsequently held between core groups of Maldives and India to discuss the withdrawal of the troops. In this regard, an agreement was reached between both countries to withdraw the first batch of Indian troops from the Maldives by March 10, and the last batch on May 10 this year.
Addressing the residents of B. Eydhafushi during a visit to the island on Sunday, President Dr. Muizzu highlighted that some are threatened by the government's effective measures to repatriate Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Therefore, they are spreading false information suggesting that Indian military personnel will continue to remain in the Maldives incognito.
Regarding these rumors, President Dr. Muizzu assured the public that there will be no presence of Indian troops in the Maldives beyond May 10, reiterating that they will not be seen in any attire.
"Not in uniforms, not in plain clothes. There will be no Indian soldiers in this country in any kind of attire. I can assure you that," he said.
