Fuvahmulah city echoes with calls for “Indian military out”.

Another rally calling for the removal of Indian military personnel in the Maldives is being held in the southern city of Fuvahmulah.

Today’s protest marks the first time the “Indian military out” protest is being held outside of the capital city area. Today’s protest was attended by thousands from Fuvahmulah. This protest could potentially be one of the largest protests to be ever held in Fuvahmulah.

The recent series of protests calling for the removal of Indian military personnel in the Maldives comes after the Defence Minister acknowledged the presence of Indian soldiers in the Maldives. This exacerbated the public concerns on the military agreements between the Maldives and India made under President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration.

Thouands gathered calling for the removal of Indian military presence in the Maldives.

The current administration’s refusal to publicize the details of the agreements between Maldives and India has meant that calls for the “Indian military out” has only garnered more support in the recent weeks.

Protestors have accused the Indian government of meddling with domestic affairs of the country and using the military agreements to station their military personnel around the Maldives. They say that the Maldives should remain neutral and away from geopolitical power struggles.