Indian Soldiers Stationed in Maldives Were Unarmed, Says Defence Minister

Defence Minister Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon has stated that the 74 Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives, who have since been expelled under an agreement reached with India, were unarmed during their deployment in the country.

The minister provided the clarification while answering questions in Parliament yesterday. He confirmed that none of the Indian soldiers present in the Maldives at the time had been armed.

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Ghassan also outlined the timeline of their withdrawal, noting that 12 soldiers departed from S. Gan on 7 March 2024, followed by another 12 on 9 March; 12 soldiers left HDh. Hanimaadhoo on 7 April, with 13 more leaving on 9 April; 13 soldiers departed from L. Kadhdhoo on 7 May, followed by 12 on 9 May.

The presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives had been a key issue during the last presidential election. President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, who campaigned on a promise to expel Indian soldiers, had described their presence as a threat to the nation’s sovereignty and national security. His administration requested the withdrawal of Indian troops the day after he assumed office in November 2023.

During the campaign, the ruling People’s National Congress (PNC), then in opposition, had alleged that thousands of armed Indian soldiers were stationed in the Maldives. However, President Muizzu stated during a record 14-hour press conference last Saturday that there were no concerning elements in the military agreements signed with India during the previous Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) administration.

Despite calls for greater transparency, the military agreements executed with India have not yet been disclosed. President Muizzu had pledged to reveal these agreements as one of his first actions in office, claiming they posed a threat to national security.

The current administration has also distanced itself from the ‘India Out’ movement, describing it as an initiative led by former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom. This is despite the active participation of several senior figures from the ruling coalition in the movement’s activities prior to the election.

The ‘India Out’ campaign, launched by the Progressive Party of Maldives and the PNC while in opposition, had demanded the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. The campaign contributed to strained relations between the Maldives and India at the beginning of the current administration. However, diplomatic efforts have since been made to strengthen ties with the neighbouring country.

The administration’s change in position regarding the ‘India Out’ movement has drawn criticism from opposition figures, including MDP leader Abdulla Shahid, who has accused the government of coming to power by spreading unfounded claims about the military agreements with India.