Gov’t Clarifies Indian Troop Presence, Emphasises No Threat to National Security

Chief spokesperson Mohamed Shaheeb addressed concerns about the number of Indian troops in Maldives, emphasising that it does not perceive the current troop deployment as a threat to national security, in a press conference held at the President’s Office today.

During a press conference, spokesperson Mohamed Shaheeb addressed questions from journalists regarding the initially presented fluctuating figures. He explained that the initially reported number was later clarified to be 89. 

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Currently, government authorities are actively engaged in reviewing and confirming these numbers. Importantly, Shaheeb conveyed the government’s stance that the presence of Indian troops in Maldives is not considered a threat to national security.

As journalists delved deeper into the matter, they probed whether the uncertainty surrounding the troop numbers could potentially pose a risk. In response, Shaheeb reiterated that the relevant institutions are actively examining the figures, emphasising that, at present, they do not consider it a threat to national security.

The President’s Office confirmed the presence of 89 Indian troops in Maldives, echoing the statement made earlier by President Mohamed Muizzu. The initial announcement by the government mentioned 77 troops, but a senior Indian official clarified that this figure did not include military doctors at Senahiya. Including the nine doctors brings the total to an updated count of 89.

The responsibility for the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives now lies with President Muizzu, a commitment integral to his presidential campaign. During a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at COP28, the President indicated India’s agreement to withdraw troops, though specific details were not disclosed in response to journalists’ questions.

Contrary reports in Indian newspapers, citing officials, suggest that a formal agreement on troop withdrawal between the two countries has not yet been reached.