The government has classified an agreement made with India to remove Indian soldiers from the Maldives, citing a danger to national security.
Sending back Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives was a campaign pledge of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. According to the government, the official number of Indian military personnel in the country was 88, which included soldiers who operated a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters.
The reaching of an agreement to resolve the dispute was announced by the foreign ministries of the two countries on February 9. President Muizzu said later that an agreement had also been signed.
Adhadhu submitted a request for the agreement under the right to information law on March 27.
"A copy of the requested agreement cannot be shared under Article 29 of the right to information law," the ministry said in its response.
The provision invoked by the ministry grants discretion of non-disclosure to state institutions if disclosure would endanger national security.
In the talks between the countries over the removal of the Indian soldiers, the Maldivian government accepted India's proposal to replace the soldiers with civilian or technical staff to operate the aircraft.
Two batches of Indian soldiers in the Maldives have since left the country, including soldiers who operated helicopters in Addu and the Dornier aircraft in Haa Dhaal Hanimaadhoo. Indian civilian personnel arrived in both areas this month.
Along with the civilians, India also sent a new helicopter to replace one in Addu.
Relations between the Maldives and India deteriorated after President Muizzu assumed office. The government has instead fostered closer ties with China and signed a military agreement. The government also classified this agreement.
