Maldives President Muizzu Says Talks Have Begun with India on Removal of Troops

News Snapshot:

Maldives has started talks with India to remove its military presence, President-elect Mohamed Muizzu said in an interview published by Bloomberg News on Friday. The issue of removing Indian troops from the Maldives was a key campaign promise made by Muizzu, who recently defeated former President Ibrahim Solih in the elections. Around 70 Indian military personnel are currently stationed in the Maldives, overseeing radar stations and surveillance aircraft sponsored by New Delhi. Adding to that, Indian warships play a role in patrolling the Maldives’ exclusive economic zone. Muizzu said in the interview he had already begun negotiations with the Indian...