"Number of Indian military personnel not being verified, is not a threat to national security"

The incumbent administration has claimed that the number of Indian military personnel present in the Maldives remaining unverified, does “not” pose a threat to national security.

This was revealed by Chief Spokesperson at the President’s Office, Mohamed Shahyb during a press conference held at the President’s Office on Thursday.

Shahyb revealed that although the exact figure of Indian military personnel present in the archipelago nation was expected to be clarified throughout the press conference, they had not received it even after the presser commenced.

At the press conference which went on for more than an hour, a journalist questioned Shahyb on why they had not received details, even after an hour had passed.

Shahyb responded that they were aware that the number is currently at 89. However, it was not verified. Shahyb noted that being unable to verify this figure, did not pose a threat to national security.

Stressing that the current figure is likely to increase, Shahyb stated that the government remains unclear regarding the exact number of Indian military personnel present in the Maldives, to date. It has been over a month since President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu was sworn in as the new president.

At Thursday’s presser, Shahyb went on to assert that it was not an issue that the number remains unverified to date.

The chief spokesperson also claimed that the actual figure can only be confirmed by the Defense Ministry.

During his presidential campaign, Dr. Muizzu and his teams had claimed that the number of Indian military personnel in the Maldives exceeded 1,000. However, his administration confirmed that there are 77 military personnel from neighboring India, present in the Maldives currently, shortly after assuming office.

President Muizzu has expressed his desire to witness the swift completion of the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. It is one of his presidential pledges.

This is an issue that has drawn severe public criticism, mostly due to the government’s delay in confirming an exact number of Indian military personnel present in the Maldives, even after completing over a month in office. Especially as they had so passionately advocated on it during campaigns.

The president earlier said that if a large percentage of the people helped him win the election in the second round of the presidential election, it would be easier to evacuate foreign troops in the Maldives and ensure independence.

During his campaign, the president said that if any country’s military troops were stationed in the Maldives, the people would feel like they had lost their freedom and sovereignty.

Speaking to press after returning home following the conclusion of his first official trips abroad since assuming officer on November 17, to Turkey and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) earlier in December, the president revealed that the government of India has agreed to withdraw the Indian military personnel present in the Maldives.

He assured that the government of India has given its commitment to respect the desires of the Maldivian people and abstain from accommodating foreign military presence in the island nation.

He affirmed that the government of Maldives remains committed to employ diplomatic channels as the primary instrument to ensure the absence of foreign military presence on its soil.

He also revealed that he had engaged in multiple productive discussions with representatives of the government of India, particularly to address the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation and detailed meetings with top government officials from India on the second day of assuming office, during which he had officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives.

Further, Muizzu stated that an agreement was reached to withdraw Indian military personnel, which is currently in progress at a technical level, following a series of fruitful meetings and discussions.