The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the primary opposition party in the Maldives, has expressed approval of the recent shift in the country’s India policy under President Mohammad Muizzu’s administration. Abdulla Shahid, the MDP’s president and former foreign minister, emphasized the importance of India’s role as a crucial partner for the Maldives, particularly in times of crisis.
Shahid made these remarks following a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is currently on a three-day official visit to the Maldives. Shahid praised the Maldives’ renewed stance toward India, highlighting the longstanding relationship between the two nations.
In his statements, Shahid called on President Muizzu’s government to issue a public apology for the previous administration’s “actions, lies, and irresponsible comments” which he claims have significantly harmed the Maldives’ international standing and economic prospects. Shahid criticized the previous government’s anti-India rhetoric, describing it as damaging to the Maldives’ foreign relations and economic stability.
“The Maldives has always been confident that India will be the first responder any time the Maldives dials an international 911,” Shahid posted on X, previously known as Twitter. He noted that the prior administration’s aggressive anti-India stance, including the call for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel, had led to a decline in the Maldives’ international standing and economic loss.
Under President Muizzu, who has been noted for his pro-China orientation, tensions had risen between the Maldives and India. This included demands for the removal of Indian military personnel from the archipelago. Following diplomatic talks, Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians, marking a shift in the bilateral relationship.
Recent comments from President Muizzu have been more conciliatory, with him acknowledging India as “one of the closest allies” and expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their support. Shahid welcomed this recalibration of the Maldives-India relationship, hoping that it will result in a consistent and meaningful improvement in bilateral ties.
The Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, is a significant maritime neighbor for India. Relations between the two nations, particularly in defense and security, had flourished under the previous government led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Sources By Agencies