Former President Abdulla Yameen has boldly claimed that Indian troops are stationed in the Maldives and accused President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu of lying.

He made these remarks while speaking on RaajjeTV’s ‘Fashaairu’ morning show on Thursday.

Highlighting that the ‘India Out!’ campaign was rooted against the permanent stationing of Indian troops in the Maldives, Yameen stressed that there is no issue between India and the Maldives and that both countries have always enjoyed strong diplomatic relations.

Yameen said that there are imports between the two countries, agreements have been established, and meetings are held as well.

Highlighting that the incumbent is lying, the former president said that Indian troops are stationed in the Maldives, and that the government's statement that no one in military uniform will be present does not mean there really is no military presence.

Yameen has also questioned several other statements made by the incumbent. Shedding light on the Indian-gifted choppers issue, Yameen said that during his rule, work was launched to send back the helicopter, and that two or three letters were sent from the President's Office to the Ministry of Defense regarding the matter.

The government of India gifted a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters to the government of the Maldives.

The government has stated that the Maldives military lacks personnel trained to operate the Dornier aircraft and helicopters, adding that civilians are currently performing these duties instead of Indian troops.