President-elect Dr Mohamed Muizzu has said that Indian soldiers in the Maldives can only be sent through dialogue and that will not be achieved by road protests.

Speaking at PSM’s “Maldivian Maldives” programme on the occasion of the 55th Republic Day, Muizzu said the issue of Indian soldiers in the Maldives without talking to India will not be solved.

We want to resolve the issue through close dialogue with India,” he said. “This is not something that can be achieved on the road. So the people have decided to do it through the government system,” Muizzu said.

Muizzu said he had met Indian Ambassador to the Maldives Munu Mahawar twice during the transition period. So far, there has been a lot of discussion,” he said. “There has been a lot of peaceful, beautifully constructed talks. We will achieve this if we wish,” Muizzu said. “India believes in this democratic decision of the people of the country. That’s what the people want.”

Muizzu said the results of the second round of elections held on September 30 showed that the Maldives does not need Indian soldiers or soldiers from any other country.

This is not an issue that India is going through.

The president-elect said.

There is no need for troops of any country to stay here. That’s why we’re going down that path. God willing, the results will be very good. It can be achieved in the light of a very good dialog. We will be able to remove the troops and move forward together.

Muizzu said.

Muizzu said the Maldives and India share a close relationship that cannot be separated. He said the Indian government has provided a lot of help and it is already getting aid.

Muizzu also said the maldives and India will continue to have good relations in the future.