Number of Indian troops in Maldives still unclear: Abdul Raheem

Director General of Transitions and Chairperson of People's National Congress (PNC) Abdulla Abdul Raheem has stated today that despite being in the midst of government transitional work, it is so far unclear to him the exact number of Indian soldiers stationed in the Maldives.

"So far, we have not been able to ascertain the exact number. We do know for certain that they are here. We have received that information," Abdul Raheem stated to the media on Thursday.

According to Abdul Raheem, Indian troops are currently stationed in different locations across the country, similar to what the PPM/PNC coalition has been claiming.

While PPM/PNC have held large demonstrations under the slogan "India Out", President Elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu has also pledged to remove Indian troops from the country. After winning the elections, he assured his supporters that he will do this within the first week of his presidency.

Muizzu also expressed confidence that his administration's efforts to remove Indian troops from the country would not adversely affect the friendly relations between India and Maldives.