President Muizzu says Maldives will never again become a 'puppet' of another country

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said the Maldives will not return to a foreign policy that leaves the country dependent on another nation, declaring that his administration has ended what he described as the country's previous status as a "puppet" of a foreign power.

Speaking on the PSM podcast The Pulse on Wednesday evening, Muizzu said his government's foreign policy was based on protecting the interests of Maldivians while contributing to peace and stability in the region.

He claimed that, until recently, the Maldives had been operating under the influence of a particular country, a situation he said the Maldivian people did not accept.

"God willing, I do not believe the people will ever allow that to happen again in this country," Muizzu said.

His comments come amid concerns raised by India and former President Mohamed Nasheed over the Maldives' decision to strengthen military cooperation with Pakistan during Muizzu's visit to the country last week.

India has said it will closely monitor developments relating to the agreements signed during the visit, while Nasheed, who chairs the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has warned that expanding military ties with Pakistan could increase India's security concerns.

Muizzu said his administration's approach to foreign relations was guided by what would benefit the Maldives and contribute to regional peace and stability.

"During the visit to Pakistan, I also considered what would be most beneficial to the Maldives and how we could act in a manner that would best contribute to peace and stability in this region," he said.

The President maintained that the Maldives would not become involved in disputes between other countries.

"We will not interfere in disputes between two other countries under any circumstances. That is not something we will do," he said.

Muizzu said his administration had maintained that position throughout its tenure.

"We have not involved ourselves in disputes between other countries, and we will not do so. We look at what benefits the Maldives and how we can contribute responsibly to the region. That is how we conduct our affairs."

Addressing the military cooperation discussed during his visit to Pakistan, Muizzu said the government was following the same approach it had adopted in its relations with other countries.

He said discussions on defence cooperation were intended to strengthen the Maldives' military capabilities, adding that similar efforts had been pursued during his other state visits whenever opportunities arose.

The President rejected suggestions that strengthening defence cooperation with another country would place the Maldives under foreign military control.

"That does not mean we are handing over military control to anyone under any circumstances. We have put an end to that. There are no foreign troops stationed in this country now," he said.

Muizzu said his administration had ended arrangements under which, according to him, foreign military personnel were stationed in the Maldives and foreign powers exercised military influence.

He described the removal of foreign military control as part of his government's policy to protect national sovereignty.

Muizzu said his administration's objective was to ensure that the Maldives remained independent and exercised full control over its affairs.

He said the government would not allow the country to return to a situation in which foreign military personnel were stationed in the Maldives under arrangements that compromised its independence.

"Our policy is to put an end to foreign military control in the Maldives, ensure that the country is independent and sovereign, maintain that position and strengthen it further," he said.

The President maintained that defence cooperation with other countries would continue where it served Maldivian interests, without compromising the country's sovereignty or involving the Maldives in disputes between other nations.