Former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih is learnt to have made the remarks after media reports that suggest Muizzu wants to talk to India for debt restructuring.
A media official for the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) told the media here that approximately 25 Indian soldiers who were stationed in Addu city are now back in India after handing over the operations of a helicopter to an Indian civil crew.
Following the recent meeting, the Maldivian foreign minister outlined a timeline for the replacement of Indian military personnel, with the first platform to see the transition by March 10, 2024
The development is the latest in the diplomatic row between the two nations after President Mohamed Muizzu, widely seen as a pro-China leader, came to power in November last year in the Maldives.
What is India-Maldives controversy? Maldives is one of the renowned tourist places, especially known for its pristine beaches and luxury tourism. It recently witnessed a significant shift in its tourist demographics as Indian visitors dropped significantly, as per the data from the Maldives' tourism ministry.