Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu
India’s biggest concern regarding Maldives was that China might make it its military base. The new President Mohammad Muizzu was continuously mentioning in his election campaign that after coming to power, he would expel the Indian Army from the country. He is considered the biggest supporter of China. In such a situation, there was concern about Chinese interference here.
Now Muizzu himself has made it clear that he stands by his promise of expelling the Indian Army, but this will not mean that the Chinese Army will be deployed here. The swearing-in ceremony of Mohammad Muizzu is scheduled for November 17. He has also invited India in this function. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju will participate in his oath ceremony on behalf of India. Earlier, he has given a message to India that he wants to stay away from regional conflicts and focus on his interests.
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Muijju was running an anti-India campaign in the elections.
Muizzu’s election victory was largely due to his opposition to India’s political and economic influence in the Maldives. Now he says that he does not want to embroil his country in geopolitical rivalry. Muizzu stressed that his country was too small to get embroiled in such rivalry. Now Muizzu intends to start formal talks with India regarding the withdrawal of about 50 to 75 Indian soldiers deployed in the country.
India had given three aircraft as a gift to Maldives for patrolling the maritime area. India has also deployed its army here for these operations. Muizzu said that the people of Maldives did not vote for him to allow any military presence in the country and his aim is to resolve the issue peacefully and democratically with the Indian government.
Chinese soldiers will not be deployed in Malvid
Importantly, Muizzu made it clear that he does not want to deploy Chinese troops or any other foreign military presence in place of Indian troops. He stressed his commitment to the sovereignty of Maldives and expressed his willingness to work together with all countries, including India and China. India has helped Maldives in all its needs including the Corona epidemic. This island country with a population of 3 lakh 80 thousand Sunni Muslims is known for its wonderful beaches and its luxurious resorts.
