If India does not withdraw its troops from Maldives, our democracy will be in danger: Mohammad Muiz

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu Statement: There is a dispute between India and Maldives regarding the recall of soldiers. Relations between India and Maldives have soured over the withdrawal of Indian troops after Maldivian President Mohammed Muizsatta came to power.

The President of Maldives has once again raised the issue of recalling the surviving Indian soldiers in Maldives. He said that India should respect the democratic will of the Maldives and recall its army. Mohammed Muizu said that if India does not withdraw its troops, it will be seen as an insult to the democratic will of the Maldivian people and endangering their future.

Maldivian people do not like foreign military presence in Maldives at all. Currently only Indian Army is in Maldives. I have requested India to withdraw its troops to respect the mandate of the Maldivian people. If India does not honor our demands, democracy in the country may be threatened, the President said. With this, Muiz added, the presence of foreign troops without parliamentary approval is against the basic spirit of the Constitution.

According to Muiz, a solution to this issue will be found through dialogue with India. He has said that India is one of our closest friends. Our traditional and cultural roots are intertwined. This is a historical fact. Relations between the two countries are growing in areas such as trade, commerce, investment and tourism.

He is also accused of being anti-India and pro-China. Clarifying this matter, Muiz said that we are not against or supporter of any country. My government will adopt a pro-Maldives policy.