Minister of Defence Mohamed Ghassan Maumoon revealed that the Government has repatriated 74 Indian personnel from the Maldives. 

Addressing questions by members of the Parliament at today’s sitting, Minister Ghassan stated that the Indian soldiers who were in the Maldives were operating without any weapons. 

He stated that following the close relations between India and the Maldives, all the Indian Military personnel in the Maldives have been sent back. This includes 25 soldiers in Haa dhaalu Hanimaadhoo, 25 in Laamu Kadhdhoo, and 24 in Seenu Gan. 

Removing the presence of the Indian military from the Maldives to maintain the independence and sovereignty was one of the biggest pledges of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s constitution. 

The Minister also responded to a question from Vaikaradhoo MP Hussain Ziyadh regarding the delay in revealing the details of the agreements signed with India. These agreements that were signed during the MDP government raised concerns of a threat to sovereignty. President Dr Muizzu pledged to review the agreements and reveal the details of it to the public. 

Responding to MP Ziyadh’s question, Minister Ghassan stated that the agreements cannot be made public due to confidentiality clauses. However, he stated it will be shared if requested by the Parliament’s National Security Services Committee. 

He further stated that a high-level committee from both countries has been working on amending parts of the agreement that pose a threat to national security.