Mohamed Muizzu, the newly elected president of Maldives, has declared his intent to remove foreign military personnel from the country.
This statement serves as a reiteration of his support for the departure of a small Indian force from the Indian Ocean archipelago, where India and China are engaged in a power struggle. During his inauguration on Friday, Muizzu, who is believed to be more inclined towards China than his predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, expressed his commitment to pursue trade relationships with both nations.
Muizzu from the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) said that there will be clear demarcation of independence and sovereignty, with the removal of foreign military presence.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining friendships with foreign nations, harboring no hostility towards countries whether they are nearby or far away. Both China and India, regional powerhouses, have been competing for increased influence in the Maldives. Muizzu emerged victorious in the September elections against Solih from the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP). Solih had previously focused on an "India first" policy, making the polls somewhat of a referendum on this approach.
