President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has avoided discussing the Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives during his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday night.
Muizzu met Modi on the sidelines of the COP28 in Dubai on Friday evening. Despite the "India Out" campaign being the top priority of the government, Muizzu did not raise the topic during the meeting.
Before the meeting, Muizzu remained silent when an Indian journalist repeatedly questioned him about the Indian troops.
India Today's Executive Editor Geeta Mohan questioned Muizzu while he was leaving a summit event.
In a video posted on X, the journalist questions Muizzu about what he expects from the Indian government over the pledge to send the Indian troops home.
He did not answer the questions and a member of the Maldives delegation can be heard answering. A delegation member replied that a meeting would be held with India.
But the journalist pressed with the question and Muizzu finally responded that Maldives and India are maintaining close ties.
No mention of Indian troops in meeting with Modi
During his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the COP28, Muizzu did not request to withdraw the troops from Maldives.
When asked whether Muizzu had discussed the issue with Modi, President's Office Minister Ibrahim Khaleel did not respond directly.
"That issue is at the top of the diplomatic agenda," Khaleel said, adding that Muizzu would fulfill that promise according to procedures.
Muizzu earlier met with Indian Minister Kiren Rijiju and requested to withdraw Indian troops from Maldives.
A senior Indian official said the country wants a peaceful solution to the issue.
However, no information has been released on any work done per diplomatic rules. The government only revealed that there were 77 Indian military personnel in the Maldives.
