Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has claimed that under the agreements signed with India, Indian military personnel will be stationed in the Maldives.

Speaking on the deals made during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu's recent visit to India, Yameen criticized the government's handling of the Uthuru Thila Falhu agreement, saying the current administration is strengthening the deal. He also pointed out that when the Indian military previously came to the Maldives, there was no explicit agreement outlining restrictions on weapons or vehicle searches, a concern he says was raised by those now in power when they were in the opposition.

He alleged that Indian businesses will become prominent in the Maldives, and that Indian oil sales would surge. Yameen further added that USD will become inaccessible and replaced by Indian Rupees. Yameen said that while Aasandha might be managed, students studying abroad will suffer in the long-term with economic inefficiency.

He also expressed concern that many Maldivian businesses are now under Indian control, leaving locals struggling. Yameen urged the government to publicly release all agreements signed with India to ensure transparency.

While Yameen has claimed that Indian troops will officially be stationed in the Maldives, President Dr Muizzu has reassured the public that he will not compromise the country's sovereignty.

Speaking to Maldivians in Bengaluru on Wednesday, President Dr Muizzu emphasized that the nation's independence is paramount and assured that no foreign troops will be stationed in the Maldives. "Some may expect things to continue as they were in the past, but that will not be the case," he said.