Maldives has set March 15 as deadline for India to withdraw its troops. – Gudstory

“Indian military personnel cannot stay in Maldives. “This is the policy of President Dr Mohammad Muizzu and this administration,” Ibrahim said. Both sides have been involved in talks on this matter for a few months. Indian High Commissioner to Maldives met Maldivian officials on Sunday.

This follows tensions between the two countries following comments made by some Maldivian ministers on social media, which were considered derogatory towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indians. This sparked strong reactions on social media and three deputy ministers were suspended. The Maldives government has distanced itself from the statements of these ministers.

However, the new government will continue its policy of reducing dependence on New Delhi. Muizu recently completed a state visit to China, during which Beijing agreed to provide $130 million for the development of the capital, Male. The two countries also signed an agreement on agricultural cooperation.

“The President further remarked that the government will end its dependence on one country for imported staple food items such as rice, sugar and flour,” the Maldives President’s Office said in a statement in reference to India.

Muizzu called China “one of the Maldives’ closest allies and developmental partners”.

At a press conference after his China visit, Muizzu also made comments that were seen as being targeted at India.

“We may be small, but that doesn’t give you license to bully us. We are not in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state,” Maldivian media quoted Muizzoo as saying.

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Published: Jan 14, 2024, 10:57 pm IST