President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu has said that India has never been excluded from his foreign policy.

Replying to questions from reporters after a after meeting members of the Male' City Council members, President Dr. Muizzu said his manifesto states that Maldives will maintain ties with every country that respects the Maldives' foreign policies, and that India has never been excluded from that.

He said his foreign policy was based on the country's stability and development and the people of the country voted for him because they accepted it, adding that he would not allow any unrest to be created against it.

"The policy of this government has never been to exclude any country. It won't happen in the future either. We will maintain close ties with India in all matters that benefit both nations," he said.

He said the concern of the Maldivian people was over the presence of Indian troops in the Maldives and that Indian troops in the Maldives have been withdrawn after discussions.