Muizzu said- outsiders should not worry about our safety; Big announcement on security arrangements

President Mohammed Muizzu has said that surveillance of Maldivian territories should not be a matter of concern for any outside party. He has announced measures to strengthen its defense forces, including the first deployment of drones to protect the island nation in the Indian Ocean. According to a press release issued by the President’s Office, he said this while speaking on the occasion of launching the Maldives National Defense Force Air Corps and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Next articleMuizzoo announced new initiatives to strengthen Maldives’ military capabilities at the ceremony.

Maldives is not a small country

The President’s comments came days after the first batch of Indian military personnel, operating helicopters gifted by India, returned from the island nation after pro-China Muizzu escalated his anti-India rhetoric. Muizzu said that Maldives is not a small country. He also said that the country is capable of monitoring its jurisdiction. Without naming any country, Muizzu said that Maldives is an independent and sovereign nation and no outside party should worry about monitoring the jurisdiction of Maldives. He said this would not hinder Maldives’ close relations with all countries. He came to power last year with an anti-India stance and within hours of taking oath he demanded India remove its military personnel from the strategically located island nation in the Indian Ocean.

Will double the capacity

Muizzu said his government would double the capability of the Coast Guard, expand the Air Force fleet and increase land-based vehicles and platforms. After assuming office last year, Muizzu had asked India to withdraw around 90 army personnel from the island nation. India had agreed to replace military personnel with non-military personnel and to continue operating two helicopters and one Dornier aircraft given to Maldives for humanitarian and medical evacuation services. The Muizzu administration has also said that it will review over 100 agreements signed with India by previous governments. Muizzu reiterated that after May 10, no Indian military personnel, even those without uniform, will be present in his country.