Surveillance of Maldives’ vast maritime area is not a matter of concern for outside parties: President Mohamed Muizzu
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Male. President Mohammed Muizzu has said surveillance of Maldives’ territories should not be a concern for any ‘outside party’ as he took measures to strengthen its defense forces, including the first deployment of drones to protect the Indian Ocean island nation. Has announced. Muizzu made these latest comments while speaking at a ceremony to mark the ‘launch’ of the Maldives National Defense Force (MNDF) Air Corps and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), according to a press release issued by the President’s Office.
Muizzoo announced new initiatives to strengthen Maldives’ military capabilities at the ceremony. 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. “Maldives is not a small nation,” the President said.
Without naming any country, Muizzoo said, “Maldives is an independent and sovereign nation and no outside party should worry about monitoring the jurisdiction of Maldives.” He said that this will strengthen the close ties of Maldives with all the countries. There will be no hindrance in relationships. Muizzu said his government will 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.
“Muizzoo underlined the importance of the Maldives moving towards self-reliance and remaining an independent and sovereign nation in all respects,” the press release said on Friday. Muizzoo said that the independence and sovereignty of the Maldives ” Despite different ideologies, it should be in the common interest of the entire population.
He said this would not hinder Maldives’ close relations with all countries. Muizzu reiterated that after May 10, no Indian military personnel, even those without uniform, would be present in his country. 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.
Disclaimer: IndiaTheNews has not edited this news. This news has been published from PTI-language feed.
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