Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid on Saturday hit out at President Mohammed Muizzu, saying the President's claim on the issue of Indian soldiers is another continuation of his lies on the issue. The former External Affairs Minister claimed that there are no Indian armed forces deployed in Maldives.
In a post on social media, Abdulla Shahid said, 'It has been 100 days of rule and President Muizzu is claiming that thousands of armed soldiers are deployed in Maldives. This is another continuation of the lies they are telling. The current government has also not disclosed the number of armed soldiers deployed. 'The truth should be revealed to everyone.' It is noteworthy that about 70 Indian soldiers are deployed in Maldives. Apart from this, one Dornier maritime patrol aircraft and two HAL Dhruv helicopters of India are also deployed in Maldives.
Amidst the above fact, ever since President Muizzu has been contesting for the presidency, he has been campaigning against the Indian soldiers deployed in Maldives. He made an election promise to bring back Indian troops if voted to power.
Relations became tense after Lakshadweep dispute
Even after winning the presidential elections, Muizzu is campaigning for the withdrawal of Indian soldiers. At present, talks are going on between the two countries on this issue. It is being told that by May 10, 2024, Indian soldiers and two aircraft can return to India from Maldives. For this reason, Muizzju has also visited China, but he has not yet come to India. Due to this dispute, relations between India and Maldives have become tense. After this controversy, Moijju is becoming surrounded in his own country.