Defence Minister of India Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said India wants to further strengthen cooperation on the security issues on the interest of shared challenges of both India and Maldives.

Rajnath Singh, made the statement in a tweet to congratulate the new Defence Minister Gassan Maumoon, who was appointed defence minister the newly sworn-in President Dr. Muizzu.

In the tweet, Rajnath Singh congratulated Ghssan Maumoon, who was appointed defence minister said, iIndia wants to face challenges and work together on security issues.

President Muizzu, after taking oath of office, addressed members of parliament and said that no foreign country’s troops would be allowed to be stationed in the Maldives.

In the 100-day road chart released by Dr. Muizzu, titled ‘Week 14’, listed removing Indian troops as the first thing to be achieved in his presidency. However, President Muizzu has said that the Maldives is not anti-India and will continue to engage with all countries in the world. He said his policy was “pro-Maldives”.

Though the Prime Minister of India did not attend the swearing-in ceremony of President Muizzu, the Indian Science Minister attended the swearing-in ceremony as Modi’s special representative.