'...otherwise, the future of our democracy is in danger...', Muizzu again spoke on the withdrawal of Indian troops from Maldives

Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu has repeatedly raised the issue of the withdrawal of Indian troops from his country. Once again appealing for the democracy of Maldives, he has asked India to withdraw its troops from Maldives.

Since President Mohammed Muizzu came to power, India-Maldives relations have been at a low level due to the withdrawal of Indian troops. Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu has once again raised the issue of the withdrawal of Indian troops present in Maldives. Muizzu has said that India should respect the democratic will of Maldives and withdraw its troops. 

According to a report in Times of India, Muizzu said that if India did not withdraw its forces, it would be disregarding the 'democratic will' of the people of Maldives and endangering the future of democracy. 

Speaking to Times of India, Muizzu said, 'The people of Maldives do not like the deployment of foreign military personnel in Maldives at all. At present, only Indian forces are in Maldives. To respect the order of the people of Maldives, I have requested India to withdraw its troops.

Muizzu further said, 'If our partner (India) ignores the wishes of the majority of the people of Maldives, the future of democracy in the country will be in danger.'

Along with this, Muizzu said that the presence of foreign troops without parliamentary approval is against the basic spirit of the Constitution.

Muizzu is confident about talks with India

​Muizzu says that the solution to this issue will be found through talks with India. He said, 'India is one of our closest friends. Our traditional and cultural roots are connected. This is a historical fact. Relations between the two countries are increasing in areas like trade, commerce, investment, and tourism.

What did Muizzu say about the pro-China image?

Along with being anti-India, Muizzu is also accused of being pro-China. Talking about this image of his, he said, 'We are not opponents of any country or supporters of any country. My government will adopt a pro-Maldives policy.

Muizzu's clarification on not renewing the water agreement with India

Muizzu ended the water agreement with India in December last year. A hydrographic agreement was signed between India and Maldives during the tenure of former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih in which India was given permission to conduct hydrographic surveys of territorial waters, lagoons, coastline, ocean, and tides of Maldives. But when Muizzu came to power, he refused to renew this agreement with India. Now he has given clarification regarding this. He has said that this agreement with India has not been renewed because the Maldives has its own national hydrography agency, but support will be sought from 'external partners' if needed.