Indian-Maldives row: President Mohamed Muizzu says Indian troops will not remain in his nation even in civilian clothing after May 10

Continuing his anti-India stance, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has mentioned no Indian army personnel, not even these in civilian clothing, will remain in his nation after May 10 deadline.

Addressing the residential neighborhood of Baa atoll Eydhafushi throughout his tour throughout the atoll, the President acknowledged that as a result of this authorities’s success in expelling Indian troops from the nation, individuals who unfold false rumours try to twist the state of affairs, reported The Edition.

“That these folks [Indian military] are not departing, that they’re returning after altering their uniforms into civilian clothing. We should not indulge such ideas that instill doubts in our hearts and unfold lies,” he mentioned.

“There will be no Indian troops in the nation come May 10. Not in uniform and not in civilian clothing. Indian army will not be residing in this nation in any type of clothing. I state this with confidence,” the President mentioned amid the deteriorating relationship with India in latest days.

While the primary troops to depart the nation are the Indian army personnel working helicopters in Addu City, the army personnel current in Haa Dhaalu atoll (*10*) and Laamu atoll Kahdhoo are additionally anticipated to depart forward of May 10, reported The Edition.

Currently, there are roughly 80 Indian army personnel stationed in the Maldives, media experiences mentioned.

The President got here to energy final yr by driving on his anti-Indian stance.

Recent controversy

Recently, Indians have expressed anger towards Maldivian authorities on social media after its Minister Mariyam Shiuna’s disparaging feedback on Prime Minister Narendra Modi as a “clown” and “puppet” in posts on X, which have since been deleted.

These tweets had been eliminated following criticism and backlash on the micro-blogging web site.

Other Maldivian officers, together with one other minister named Zahid Rameez, additionally mocked Prime Minister Modi’s go to to Lakshadweep after the images garnered vital consideration on social media as many drew comparisons between Modi’s go to and the Maldives.

Closeness to China

Amid a strained relationship with India, the Maldivian authorities has signed a army settlement with China.

Maldives Military of Defence posted on X: “Minister of Defence @mgmaumoon and Major General Zhang Baoqun, Deputy Director of the Office for International Military Cooperation of the People’s Republic of China, signed an settlement on China’s provision of army help free of charge to the Republic of Maldives, fostering stronger bilateral ties.”

Details of the settlement are nonetheless not recognized.