The government is unsure about the exact number of Indian military personnel in the Maldives as figures provided by different authorities do not match, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu revealed on Tuesday evening.
The removal of Indian troops is a key pledge of the current government. Muizzu faced questions over the issue when he met reporters at the President's Office to brief them about cabinet decisions.
After initially refusing to answer the questions, Muizzu said a committee comprising the Foreign Ministry, Defense Ministry and the President's Office was working on the matter.
"The documents show different numbers at different times, going from 77 to 89, which is not clear either. We do not have clear information yet. The number might be higher," he said.
The government officially disclosed the presence of 77 Indian military personnel stationed within Maldivian territory a day after Muizzu took the oath of office.
Meeting the press upon return from the UAE this week, Muizzu evaded questions about the discrepancy between the official figure and claims made during the presidential election campaign that there were thousands of Indian troops in the Maldives.
"I will just have to check further on that number. I will check the number and tell you," he said.
The President did not give a straight answer when Adhadhu asked whether the soldiers were remaining in the Maldives by force and if a date had been set for their departure.
