In a significant diplomatic development, President Mohamed Muizz of the Maldives has urged the Indian government to withdraw its military forces from the island nation, expressing concerns about the preservation of democracy. The Times of India has extensively reported on the president's worries, emphasizing potential consequences should India disregard the call for military withdrawal.
President Muizz asserted his belief that a continued military presence in the Maldives would undermine the "democratic will" of the Maldivian people, posing a severe threat to the future of democracy in the nation. The sentiment against foreign military personnel stationed in the Maldives is pervasive among the local population, with the President unequivocally stating that the current presence, primarily upheld by India, goes against the wishes of the Maldivian people.
In response to this, President Muizz has formally requested India to repatriate its military personnel, highlighting the precarious implications for democracy if the desires of the majority are overlooked by international partners. The president further emphasized the constitutional violation caused by the presence of foreign military personnel without parliamentary approval, expressing confidence that the issue could be resolved through diplomatic dialogue.
The relationship between the Maldives and India is a crucial aspect of this scenario. President Muizz underscored the historical, traditional, and cultural ties shared by the two nations, pointing to the growing connections in trade, commerce, investment, and tourism. Emphasizing the importance of bilateral relations, the Maldivan President expressed support for defense cooperation, including collaborative efforts to build the Maldives National Defence Force. He reiterated that defense cooperation, especially in the maritime sector, has been a longstanding area of collaboration, grounded in shared principles.
Addressing concerns about his perceived "pro-China" stance, President Muizz clarified that his government aims to pursue a 'pro-Maldives' policy, emphasizing a neutral position without being 'anti' any country or 'pro' any specific nation. This statement underscores the Maldives' commitment to maintaining a balanced and sovereign foreign policy.
On the matter of hydrographic surveys by the Indian Navy, President Muizz clarified that the agreement with India will not be renewed. Instead, the Maldives plans to rely on its own national hydrography agency, expressing openness to seeking support from external partners when needed.
The evolving dynamics of Maldives-India relations, particularly the call for military withdrawal, reflect the complexities of diplomatic ties in the region. As the nations navigate these challenges, the commitment to democracy, bilateral cooperation, and a 'pro-Maldives' policy remain at the forefront of President Muizz's diplomatic approach.
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