Maldives New President To Remove Indian Troops From His Country (Image:Twitter/MohamedMuizzu)
Maldives” new President-elect Mohamed Muizzu, a pro-China leader, is ready to initiate his official duties with his campaign promise to remove the Indian military personnel stationed in the archipelago state. He once again reassured his promise as he would launch the process to kick-out Indian army from his country immediately upon taking office, reported the Associated Press (AP).
As per the report, Mr Muizzu told his supporters that he wouldn”t encourage a foreign military to stay in the Maldives “against the will of its citizens”. He was addressing the gathering who were convened to celebrate the election victory.
“The people have told us that they don’t want foreign military here”, said Mr Muizzu, a member of the People”s National Congress, a highly pro-China affiliated party.
The attitude of Maldivian President is a serious blow to India complementing the India-China geopolitical rivalry, especially over the Indian Ocean region. The outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih was facing grave allegations by the president-elect Mohamed Muizzu, that Mr Solih was facilitating India an unchecked presence in Maldives.
Mr Muizzu won the Presidential election in the archipelago state, defeating incumbent President Ibrahim Solih in a second-round runoff, reported the Hindustan Times. He led the election campaigns by propagating allegations on the Indian decision to hold their military troops in Maldives – as the troops are a threat to the sovereignty to the island country.
The election was crucial for India and China as it was capable of determining which country the Maldives favour in future and which country exerted more influence on Maldives.
Both India and China congratulated Mr Muizzu on being elected as the President of Maldives. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his interest and hope to strengthen the India-Maldives bilateral relationships while mentioning the extended cooperation India is expecting in the Indian Ocean Region.
Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives.
India remains committed to strengthening the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing our overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 1, 2023
China”s foreign ministry, reported the Hindustan Times, expressed their respect to the “choice of the Maldivian people” and congratulated Mohamed Muizzu.
