Indian Soldiers Must Leave Maldives: Protestors

A group of people has gathered in front of the Foreign Ministry of Maldives calling for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.

According to eyewitnesses, around fifty or more people gathered in front of the Foreign Ministry called out for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. The protestors also called the government to stop allowing India to interfere in the domestic affairs of the Maldives. Some protesters held banners that read “India Out”.

This is the third protest in recent days, calling for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. Over the weekend protests were held in front of the residence of Sanjay Sudhir, the Indian High Commissioner in the Maldives.

The Speaker of the Majlis, Mohamed Nasheed, had previously characterized the “India Out” movement as “extremist”.

Since President Ibrahim Mohammed Solih assumed office, India has increased their military presence in the Maldives. At the moment they operate two naval helicopters and one navy aircraft in the Maldives. The exact number of Indian boots on the ground in the Maldives is not clear.

While many Indian military personnel are currently present in the Maldives, the Ministry of Defence has refused to disclose their number. The case is currently at the High Court.