News Brief
Maldives: Muizzu's Anti-India Rhetoric Continues Amid Opposition's Boycott, Announces Dates For Indian Troop Withdrawal
Mohamed Muizzu.
Maintaining his anti-India stance, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives informed parliament that the island nation will not permit any country to interfere with or undermine its sovereignty, according to a report from NDTV.
He also revealed that based on an agreement between New Delhi and Male, Indian troops in the Maldives will leave by 10 May, with the withdrawal process commencing by 10 March.
He further added that Maldives would not renew the agreement with India for charting the country's inner and underwater territories.
The opposition parties, MDP and Democrats, boycotted Muizzu's speech, marking the largest boycott in the history of the Maldivian parliament.
They are also working on a proposal to impeach President Muizzu.
India currently has 87 troops in the Maldives to provide humanitarian aid and medical evacuation.
The withdrawal agreement was reportedly reached during a meeting in New Delhi, and the External Affairs Ministry stated that the two countries agreed on mutually workable solutions, with civilians replacing the soldiers.
President Muizzu's anti-India stance has faced criticism domestically, especially as the new government strengthens ties with China.
The shift in foreign policy has been described as "extremely detrimental" by opposition parties, highlighting the importance of stability and security in the Indian Ocean for the Maldives.
Gasuim Ibrahim, leader of the Jumhoori Party, has urged President Muizzu to formally apologise to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remarks seen as a swipe at India.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar stressed the significance of neighbourly relations, "History and geography are very powerful forces. There is no escape from that."
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