People's National Congress (PNC) presidential candidate Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has vowed to request Indian troops to leave the Maldives on the first day of his government.
The Male' Mayor and former Housing Minister was questioned about the matter on Adhadhu's Etherefuh program Tuesday night. If elected, the matter would be addressed on the first day, Muizzu said.
"On the first day, I want to talk to India and tell them that the soldiers cannot stay here. I will say that on the first day," the candidate endorsed by the largest opposition Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said.
"You are our closest neighbour. You will always be our neighbour. So let's find a way for the two sides to live together. Indian soldiers cannot stay here, whether it is to operate helicopters or anything else."
When asked why he did not express concern about the agreements signed with the Indian government during former President Abdulla Yameen's government, Muizzu, who was Housing Minister at the time, insisted that concerns were raised back then.
Indian civilians are welcome to stay in the Maldives to work on projects, but it is a problem when Indian soldiers are stationed in the country, Muizzu said.
Muizzu at an India Out rally.
The current government has awarded several major infrastructure projects to Indian companies. When questioned whether the agreements would be canceled in his government Muizzu declined to give a clear answer.
"I can't say yes or no to that question without looking at the agreements. I will look at every agreement," he said.
Muizzu earlier said that his government would not have a policy of enmity with any particular country despite calling for Indian soldiers to leave the Maldives. Muizzu said he will not give a special priority to any particular country.
The Defense Ministry has not disclosed the number of Indian troops in Maldives. The ministry said revealing the information could affect foreign relations between the two countries.
