President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has proposed to the Indian government to remove the Indian troops in Maldives before March 15.
President's Office Policy Director Abdulla Nazim told reporters that the President had proposed to withdraw Indian troops from Maldives within the next 30 days.
"During the meeting, the President proposed the removal of Indian troops before March 15. The government, the President's Office and the President have proposed this date for the agenda of the meeting. Those discussions are now underway," Nazim said.
Nazim said Indian High Commissioner Munu Mahawar and some senior officials are attending the meeting. Senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and the President's Office will represent Maldives, he added.
"The meeting is being attended by the Indian High Commissioner and Joint Secretary as well as several other senior officials from India. Senior officials from the Foreign Ministry and some senior officials from the President's Office are also participating on behalf of Maldives,” Nazim said.
Officials in the meeting include Chief of Staff of the President's Office Abdulla Fayaz, Ambassador at Large Ali Naseer, Maldives Ambassador to India Ibrahim Shaheeb and Chief of Defense Force Abdul Raheem Abdul Latheef.
Speaking at the press conference, Nazim said that Indian troops cannot stay in Maldives and that is what the people want.
"The most important point is that Indian troops cannot stay in this country. That is the policy of this government. That is the promise of President Dr. Mohammed Muizzu and what the people want," he said.
Nazim said the government wants to continue the talks on the removal of troops without disrupting relations between the two countries.
According to the government, President Muizzu's foreign policy is to eliminate Maldives' dependence on India.
