Maldives Opposition Backs New India Policy: Calls For Apology Over Previous Anti-India Stance

The Maldives Democratic Party (MDP), a major opposition force in the Maldives, has expressed support for the recent adjustment in the Maldives' policy towards India under President Mohammad Muizzu's administration.

This shift has been described as a "sudden recalibration," and the MDP has affirmed that India remains a crucial and reliable partner for the Maldives during crises.

Photo Credit: X

Maldives Opposition Backs New India Policy

Abdulla Shahid, the MDP chief and former foreign minister, has called for the Muizzu administration to issue a public apology. Shahid criticized the government's previous approach, which he claimed involved false statements and irresponsible actions that had severely impacted the Maldives' foreign relations and economic standing.

Shahid's remarks followed a meeting with India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who was on a three-day official visit to the Maldives. In his statement on X (formerly Twitter), Shahid emphasized that the Maldives had always trusted India to be the first responder in international emergencies.

He pointed out that the Muizzu administration's initial anti-India rhetoric and actions, including aggressive slogans and the portrayal of India as a regional bully, had led to a decline in the Maldives' international reputation and economic setbacks.

The MDP welcomed the recalibration of the Maldives-India policy, which marked a significant departure from the previous "India Out" stance advocated by Muizzu's government. Shahid stressed that this shift should be consistent and substantial, reflecting the true interests of the Maldivian people rather than being merely a superficial change.

The policy adjustment comes in the wake of Muizzu's prior demands for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, which had created tensions between the two countries. Following diplomatic discussions, Indian military personnel were replaced with civilians, easing the strained relations.

During his visit, President Muizzu described India as "one of the closest allies" of the Maldives and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Indian government for their ongoing support. Shahid and the MDP hope that this policy shift will be enduring and meaningful, addressing the needs of the Maldivian people and repairing the country's international standing.

The Maldives, strategically located in the Indian Ocean, had enjoyed strengthened bilateral relations with India under the previous administration led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. These relations had been particularly robust in areas of defence and security.