UNS/ AFP :The small but strategically placed Maldives will strengthen its military to defend its vast maritime territory, the new president vowed on Monday after ordering Indian troops to withdraw from the archipelago.
Mohamed Muizzu said in his first address to parliament he would turn the modest Maldivian National Defence Force (MNDF) into a modern military capable of patrolling its seas, which straddle key global shipping lanes.
The pro-China leader reiterated that India will begin withdrawing its troops operating three maritime reconnaissance aircraft from March 10 and complete the process within two months.
New Delhi considers the Indian Ocean archipelago to be within its sphere of influence.
However, the Maldives has shifted into the orbit of China — its largest external creditor — with September’s election of Muizzu, who demanded the Indian troops leave.
“I believe that the modern military capability to defend the country by road, sea and air should be strengthened in the Maldives,” Muizzu said. “We have started to do that now.”
He said the MNDF will soon be able to conduct surveillance of the country’s 900,000 square kilometre (347,000 square mile) Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the clock.
The Maldives accused India’s coastguard last week of entering the north of its EEZ and intimidating three Maldivian fishing vessels.
