Negotiations on removing Indian troops have begun, says Maldives president-elect

By Alperen Aktas

ISTANBUL (AA) – The president-elect of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has confirmed the start of negotiations with New Delhi to remove Indian troops from the island nation, emphasizing the intention to avoid being caught in India-China power rivalry.

Muizzu, 45, set to be sworn in on Nov. 17, told Bloomberg he has “begun negotiations with the Indian government on removing its military presence.”

“We want a bilateral relationship that’s mutually beneficial,” Muizzu said, calling his talks with the Indian side “very successful” while also maintaining that the “Indian soldiers won’t be replaced by troops from other countries.”

He said that the Maldives intends to maintain “fully independent” with its policies, adding that the removal of Indian military personnel “no way indicates that I’m going to allow China or any other country to bring their military troops here.”

There are some 70 Indian military personnel, radar stations and surveillance aircraft besides Indian warships helping to patrol Maldives’ exclusive economic zone, according to the report.

In New Delhi, Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi said: “We look forward to constructively engaging with the incoming administration and discussing ways to enhance our relationship further.”

Muizzu has accused outgoing President Ibrahim Solih of “giving India too much influence over the Maldives and surrendering the nation’s sovereignty by allowing Indian troops to be based there.”

“We want assistance, cooperation of all countries” for a “mutual and bilateral relationship that beneficial,” he said.

Muizzu won elections on Sept. 30 in a runoff, with 54% of the electorate voting him to oust former President Ibrahim Solih.

Addressing his supporters earlier this month, Muizzu said: “The people have decided they do not want the presence of foreign soldiers, emphasized no foreign soldiers can stay in Maldives against the people’s wishes.”

Muizzu represents the Progressive Party of Maldives led by former President Abdulla Yameen, who is serving 11 years in prison over alleged corruption.

Yameen and Muizzu had led an “India-out” campaign to oust India’s deployment of a small number of soldiers who operate four reconnaissance aircraft.