India should read writing on the wall about troop presence in the Maldives

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu said last week, shortly after taking the oath of office, that he would ensure no foreign troops are stationed in the country to safeguard the country's sovereignty.

Muizzu did not name India directly, but considering that only India maintains a military presence in the Maldives, Muizzu's stance is seen as an open call for the withdrawal of Indian troops and a step away from his predecessor's "India first" policy.

According to a statement released by the Maldives President's Office, the Maldivian people had given him "a strong mandate to make this request to India", and he "hoped that India would respect the democratic aspirations of the Maldivian people".