President Dr Mohamed Muizzu on Saturday assured the people that the bilateral defence agreements signed during previous governments have now been amended to remove all concerns related to the independence and sovereignty of the country.
There had been major concerns over some of the bilateral agreements signed especially during the previous government, with allegations of certain clauses severely undermining the independence and sovereignty of the country.
President Dr Muizzu, during his presidential campaign had pledged to review such agreements and disclose details to the public.
Speaking during a press conference on Saturday, the President said, since taking office the bilateral defence agreements signed by the previous government had been thoroughly reviewed.
President Dr Muizzu pointed out that the major red flags were identified over the hydrographic survey agreement with India, adding that his Administration had decided against the renewal of the pact.
Under the agreement, officials of the Indian Naval Hydrographic Office had been stationed in the Maldives to conduct hydrographic surveys to facilitate the creation of small-scale and large-scale charts for maritime navigation.
"We will not allow any country's troops to be stationed on the ground in Maldives. It does not matter how close or how powerful the country is. Or how much aid is being given to us. We will not give any room to question our independence being undermined,” he insisted.
The President also assured that the issues in the bilateral defence agreements signed by the previous administration have now been discussed and resolved.
He also said that true to his presidential pledge, his Administration is now engaged in bilateral discussions to work around the confidentiality clauses in order to disclose the content of the agreements.