Rolling around the diplomatic clash with India, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has asked India to withdraw its military troops from the archipelago nation by March 15. This means that no Indian military will be allowed in Maldives after March 15.
According to the government data, there are about 88 Indian military personnel in Maldives. This decision comes days after President Muizzu returned from China.
A minor presence of the Indian military was present for several years in the Maldives after the request of the previous Maldivian government to primarily assist with marine security and disaster relief.
However, the relationship between the two countries rusted after two Maldives serving employees made a derogatory remark on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to the Indian Island – Lakshadweep. After which the netizens started comparing the two or say boycotting Maldives.
Amid Muizzu’s recent visit to China, he indirectly took a jibe on India over the recent clash. He, without using the name of any country said, “We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us”.
He added, “We aren’t in anyone’s backyard. We are an independent and sovereign state.”
Several social media influencers and actors have stood up in boycotting Maldives and supporting the Indian Island Lakshadweep.