Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said that it would not be good for the people of Maldives to work against neighboring India.
Nasheed's remarks came after President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu requested the withdrawal of 77 Indian soldiers operating a Dornier flight and two helicopters donated by India.
"India is the oldest friendly neighbor of the people of Maldives. India is also the most helpful country to the people of Maldives. It would not be beneficial for the people of Maldives to act against India," Nasheed said in a post on social media.
The new government announced the number of Indian troops in Maldives at a press conference held at the President's Office Sunday.
There are currently 50 soldiers in charge of flying helicopters and 25 soldiers specializing in flying the Dornier aircraft. The other two soldiers are specialized in engineering work.
The previous government had also said that there were 75 Indian military personnel in Maldives for humanitarian work. However, the current ruling party claimed that the real figure was much higher.
The former government denied the allegations. The government, at the time, said troops were stationed for humanitarian work.
President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu formally made the request to withdraw Indian troops when he met the Minister of Earth Sciences of India, Kiren Rijiju, at the President’s Office on Saturday.
The President noted that the two helicopters and Dornier flight donated by India benefit the people and the government of Maldives.
He thanked India for their assistance in transporting patients, surveillance and preventing drug smuggling, the official added.
