The recent tension in relations between India and Maldives is not hidden from anyone. In this year’s budget presented by the central government, the grant assistance given to Maldives has been cut. Amidst all this, President Muizzu himself has said that India has given relaxation in the time of repayment of the loan of 50 million dollars given to Maldives.
Maldives President Muizzu has said that India has postponed the repayment of Maldives’ loan of US $ 50 million. Addressing an official function organized at the Social Center on the occasion of Maldives’ 59th Independence Day on Friday night, President Muizzu said that India has already postponed the repayment of loan of US $ 50 million.
India increased food quota
Apart from this, Muizzu informed that the Indian government has extended Maldives’ food quota for another two years. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu had said in a statement a few months ago that India will remain our ‘closest ally’ and urged New Delhi to provide debt relief to Maldives.
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Foreign troops will not remain in the country
The President said that the Maldives has completed its initial effort to ensure defence sovereignty. The President said that this is now complete and has guaranteed that foreign troops, whether in uniform or not, will not be present in the Maldives. The President said that all military personnel have been evacuated from the platforms provided by the Government of India, which are now being operated by civilians. He also mentioned that the first patient transport flight from Hanimaadhoo to Male city for emergency services has also started operating.
The President stressed that full control over territorial waters is vital to ensure national defense sovereignty. He indicated that advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), will be used to continuously monitor the country’s maritime areas. Additionally, he outlined efforts to enhance the capabilities of the armed forces, secure the necessary funding, and significantly increase the capacity of the Coast Guard.
India has this much debt on Maldives
Let us tell you that till the end of last year, Maldives owed India about 400.9 million US dollars (about 35 billion rupees). Mohammad Muizzu is considered to be a supporter of China. During the presidential election, he gave the slogan ‘India Out’. Muizzu has been adopting a tough stand towards India since taking oath as President in November last year.
Within hours of assuming the presidency, he had demanded that India withdraw its troops from Maldives. The Maldives President had said that 88 Indian military personnel would be sent back by May 10. These Indian military personnel were present in Maldives to operate three aviation platforms.