Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu told its parliament that the island nation will not allow any country to interfere with or undermine its sovereignty.
He said New Delhi and Male have agreed that Indian troops will leave The Maldives by May 10. India has 87 troops in the island nation.
President Muizzu said Indian troops on one of the three aviation platforms in the island nation will leave by March 10, and those on the other two will pull out by May 10.
“Maldives will not renew the agreement with India to chart the country’s inner and underwater charts. We will not allow any country to interfere with or undermine our sovereignty,” the President said.
The two main opposition parties – MDP and Democrats – boycotted President Muizzu’s speech.
Both the parties have 56 MPs (43+13) in the 87-seat Parliament.
Seven MPs have resigned to get administrator posts in the Muizzu government. Out of present strength of 80, only 24 MPs were present during the President’s speech. Local reports suggest it’s the biggest boycott in Maldivian parliament history. MDP and Democrats are also working on a proposal to impeach President Muizzu.
President Muizzu’s campaign had focused on reducing Indian influence in affairs of The Maldives and the presence of Indian soldiers emerged as a major point of contention ever since he took over.
