Maldives says cannot reveal agreement with India on withdrawal of troops, says report

As the process of replacing Indian military personnel in the Maldives gets underway, the island nation’s government has stated that it will not reveal the details of the agreement between Male and New Delhi on the troops’ withdrawal, according to a report in Maldivian media.

India began withdrawing its personnel with the first batch of 25 soldiers on March 12, at the request of the Mohamed Muizzu government. The second group is expected to leave the country by April 10.

A Maldivian Foreign Ministry official, who spoke to Mihaaru News, said the details of the deal cannot be disclosed.

“However, the Ministry’s response stated that they are unable to disclose a copy of the agreement and maintained that this is done in conformity with Article 29 of the Right to Information Act,” a news portal quoted the Ministry officials.

The report also cited that the former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration had also withheld information on the defence agreements with India.

Muizzu, seen as a pro-China leader, had earlier affirmed that no Indian military personnel, not even those in civilian clothing, would be present in his country after May 10.

Muizzu, who came to power in November last year, had asserted he would ensure that the Maldives remain “free” of any “foreign military presence” to preserve its independence and sovereignty. Subsequently, in January this year, he asked India to withdraw the troops.

An agreement was signed in February between the two nations in this regard.

Ties between India and the Maldives have been under strain since Muizzu became the President.