Mohamed Muizzu Vows to Expel Foreign Military from the Maldives, Putting an End to India's Presence

 Mohamed Muizzu, the president-elect of the Maldives, has promised to end foreign military presence in the country after winning the runoff election. Although he did not name India directly, it is the only foreign power with a military deployment in the archipelago. Muizzu's victory came after campaigning on an India-out platform, as India had stationed security personnel in the Maldives to operate reconnaissance aircraft for maritime patrols.

Muizzu stated that the military forces would be sent back in accordance with the law and the will of the Maldivian people. Outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih had realigned the nation's relations with India, while his predecessor had aligned the Maldives with China. Muizzu, who is considered pro-China, brushed off these claims and said his priority would be the Maldives. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and China both congratulated Muizzu on his victory. The Maldives, known for its luxury resorts, sits in a strategically important location in the Indian Ocean.