Nasheed Urges Cooperation Amidst Calls for Indian Troop Withdrawal

MV+ News Desk | November 21, 2023
Photo: People’s Majlis

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed emphasised the importance of maintaining positive relations with neighbouring India. 

This comes in the wake of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu’s request for the withdrawal of 77 Indian soldiers responsible for operating a Dornier flight and two helicopters, both donated by India.

Nasheed, taking to social media, acknowledged India as the oldest and most helpful friend to the Maldivian people. He cautioned against actions that could be detrimental to the longstanding friendship between the two nations. “It would not be beneficial for the people of Maldives to act against India,” Nasheed remarked.

The current government revealed the presence of 50 soldiers managing helicopter operations, 25 specialising in flying the Dornier aircraft, and two engaged in engineering tasks during a press conference at the President’s Office. 

The previous administration had stated that the Indian military personnel, numbering 75, were in Maldives for humanitarian purposes. However, the current ruling party disputes this, asserting that the actual figure is significantly higher.

The previous government consistently refuted such claims, maintaining that the troops were stationed for humanitarian work. President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu officially conveyed the request for troop withdrawal during a meeting with India’s Minister of Earth Sciences, Kiren Rijiju, at the President’s Office on Saturday.

Muizzu highlighted the positive impact of the two helicopters and Dornier flight, expressing gratitude for India’s assistance in critical areas such as patient transportation, surveillance, and combating drug smuggling.

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