Maldives will not have any foreign armed forces, says chief of defence force the Maldives Major General Abdullah Shamaal. During yesterday's news conference held by Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), has confirmed that currently Maldives does not have any military base and any foreign armed forces present in.

During the press conference, Mr Abdulla Shamaal did mention that as always Maldives has accepted support and assistance from foreign nationals in humanitarian roles and to achieve technical expertise.

Mr Abdulla Shamaal assured the public that the army's focus was on maintaining the sovereignty and independence of the country at all times and would remain as such in the future as well.

He also added that the Maldives do not have the capacity to avoid assistance from foreign nationals and India being the neighbouring country, India has assisted Maldives in many different ways, promoting the long term friendship between the two countries.