Abdulla Shahid, the former foreign minister of the Maldives, criticized President Mohamed Muizzu's assertions regarding the withdrawal of "thousands of" Indian military personnel from the island nation, labeling them as just another instance of falsehoods.
In a statement posted on X, Shahid emphasized that there were no armed foreign troops stationed within the island nation. He pointed out the lack of clarity from the Muizzu administration regarding the precise number of foreign troops present, highlighting the significance of transparency and the imperative of upholding the truth.
"After 100 days, it is evident: President Muizzu's claims regarding 'thousands of Indian military personnel' withdrawing were simply another addition to a series of untruths. The current government's inability to furnish specific figures speaks volumes. Not a single armed foreign soldier is stationed in our nation. Transparency is crucial, and the truth must be upheld," Shahid asserted.
On February 5, Muizzu announced plans for the phased withdrawal of Indian military personnel, with the initial group slated to depart before March 10 and the remainder, stationed at two aviation platforms, scheduled to leave by May 10. The objective, according to the Maldivian President, was to achieve complete autonomy in terms of foreign military presence within the country.
Upon his victory in the presidential election in November 2023, Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, pledged to eliminate Indian troops from the Maldives. Presently, approximately 90 Indian military personnel oversee radar stations and surveillance aircraft sponsored by New Delhi, while Indian warships aid in patrolling the Maldives' exclusive economic zone.
Muizzu recently reaffirmed the Maldives' commitment to retaining autonomous control over all its territories, encompassing maritime, aerial, and terrestrial domains, while also enhancing capabilities for underwater surveys. These statements come amidst diplomatic tensions triggered by derogatory remarks made by Maldivian politicians regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep in January, resulting in strained bilateral relations. In response, Muizzu intensified his anti-India stance, asserting, "We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us."
Earlier this month, the Maldivian government formally requested comprehensive details from the Indian government regarding an incident wherein its coast guard personnel allegedly boarded three Maldivian fishing vessels operating within the Maldives' economic zone.
