In a significant policy shift, Maldives’ president-elect, Mohamed Muizzu, who is set to assume office on November 17, has reiterated his pledge to expedite the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, making it the country’s top foreign policy priority.
The focus keyword, “Maldives President-Elect Mohamed Muizzu,” underscores this groundbreaking development in Maldivian foreign policy.
Maldives President-Elect Viral
Muizzu, who secured a decisive victory in last month’s presidential election, defeating incumbent president Ibrahim Solih, has made it clear that the withdrawal of Indian military forces is central to his election campaign promise.
“I will be holding frank and detailed diplomatic consultations with India to work out the details of sending back military personnel from the Maldives as soon as possible,” Muizzu stated, emphasizing that the focus is not on the number of military personnel in the Maldives but the aim is to have none at all.
“I want to assure our citizens that we have heard their voice loud and clear – they do not want a foreign military presence in our nation,” Muizzu proclaimed. He further confirmed that negotiations with New Delhi had already commenced and been deemed “very successful.”
The Maldives, an idyllic archipelago in the Indian Ocean, has long maintained a strong diplomatic and economic relationship with India. However, Muizzu is resolute in his mission to redefine this partnership, seeking a bilateral relationship that is “mutually beneficial” while eliminating the presence of foreign troops from the nation.
Muizzu’s decision to remove Indian military personnel has sparked discussions both nationally and internationally. The president-elect has made it clear that these troops will not be replaced by those from other countries.
“We want assistance and cooperation with all nations,” Muizzu affirmed, highlighting the Maldives’ commitment to engaging with countries on equal terms.
The president-elect’s stance on the Indian military presence aligns with his pro-Chinese reputation. Following his electoral victory, China’s foreign ministry issued a statement, expressing its respect for the Maldivian people’s choice and congratulating President-elect Mohamed Muizzu.
“China is willing to work with the Maldives to consolidate the traditional friendship, deepen mutually beneficial cooperation, and push for continuous new progress,” the ministry stated, hinting at the potential for strengthening the Maldives-China relationship under Muizzu’s leadership.
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