President’s Office Alters Press Statement on Withdrawal of Indian Troops

The President’s Office has revised its press release concerning the meeting between President Muizzu and the Indian Earth Sciences Minister, Kiren Rijiju.

Yesterday, President Muizzu received special envoys from various countries, who paid courtesy calls on him, reflecting ongoing diplomatic engagements.

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Initially, the press release posted in English on the President’s Office website regarding yesterday’s meeting with Minister Kiren Rijiju lacked specific details. 

It mentioned that the government had formally requested the withdrawal of Indian troops stationed in the Maldives, offering no further elaboration.

Shortly after its publication, the initial statement (reference number 2023-489) vanished from the President’s Office website. Subsequently, a new statement in English (reference number 2023-4) emerged, providing additional insights into the meeting but omitting a Dhivehi version.

According to the updated statement, the discussions between President Muizzu and Minister Rijiju encompassed efforts to strengthen bilateral relations. 

Notably, President Muizzu officially urged the Indian government to withdraw troops from the Maldives, expressing hope for respect towards the decision of the Maldivian people.

The President acknowledged the role played by two helicopters donated by the Indian Army to the Maldives National Defence Force, particularly in emergency situations where they facilitated the transportation of numerous patients.

This alteration in the President’s Office’s initial press release follows criticism of its brevity and lack of detail.

Sources also suggest that during the meeting, the President underscored India’s role in monitoring and combating drug trafficking in Maldivian waters.