Indian soldiers in the Maldives could not be removed if the government fails to win a majority in the upcoming parliamentary elections, President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu indicated in Addu today.
The removal of Indian soldiers who conduct search and rescue operations in the country with the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) is the President's main campaign pledge.
The President said at a meeting in Addu Hulhumeedhoo today that both countries have signed an agreement to remove Indian troops. But the government needs the Majlis majority to finalize their removal, he added.
"We need to do this [elect MPs who support the government] also to complete it under the letter of exchange signed between the countries to take back all foreign troops in the country before the 10th [of May]," the President said.
The Indian government has assured compliance with the agreement, the President said. But he went on to imply that Indian soldiers could remain depending on the outcome of the parliamentary elections and urged the public to think before voting.
"After such a thing was achieved, if a decision is made in the People's Majlis election that brings changes that would undo it, isn't it us on our own who are changing our direction? That shouldn't happen. That wouldn't be us fulfilling our responsibility," the President said.
Despite the President's remarks, there was no role of Parliament in bringing Indian soldiers to the Maldives. Neither has there been any participation of Parliament in the current government's efforts to send back the soldiers since coming to power.
The Maldivian government reached an agreement with India to bring "technical" personnel to operate a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters after Indian soldiers are removed from the Maldives before May 10.
The Maldives Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the removal of the first batch of Indian soldiers before March 10 was agreed during a meeting of the Core Group from the countries.
