The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the leading opposition party in the Maldives, has expressed support for the recent shift in India policy by President Mohammad Muizzu’s government. They affirm that India continues to be the Maldives’ most dependable ally in times of need.
MDP leader Abdulla Shahid, a former foreign minister, has urged the Muizzu administration to publicly apologize for the harmful actions, false statements, and careless remarks made by its officials, which have negatively impacted the Maldives’ international and economic standing.
Maldivian Democratic Party Welcomes Shift in Maldives’ India Policy
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has praised the Maldives government, led by President Mohammad Muizzu, for its recent shift in India policy. They expressed confidence that India will remain the Maldives’ primary international ally in times of need.
Abdulla Shahid, president of the Maldivian Democratic Party, made these comments following a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Saturday. Shahid urged the Muizzu administration to publicly apologize for recent statements and actions that have harmed the Maldives’ international relations and economic prospects.
Minister Jaishankar is visiting the Maldives for three days to restore diplomatic ties. This visit is the first high-level trip from India since President Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, took office last year.
Also Read: Assam Police on High Alert Along Indo-Bangla Border
Maldives Shifts Stance on India
The Maldives has always trusted that India would be the first to respond whenever the country faced an international emergency. This was expressed by Shahid in a post on X after his meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, who is currently on a three-day official visit.
Shahid mentioned that the previous government’s actions, which fueled anti-India sentiments with harsh slogans, ridicule, and labeling India—a long-standing ally and development partner—as a regional bully, led to a decline in the Maldives’ international reputation, economic setbacks, and other avoidable challenges.
Given this context, Shahid stated that the Maldivian Democratic Party supports President Muizzu’s government’s recent shift in its Maldives-India policy, moving away from the previous ‘India Out’ stance.
India-Maldives Relations
President Muizzu, who is known for his pro-China views, previously called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, creating friction between the two nations. However, after discussions, Indian military personnel were replaced by civilians.
On Saturday, Muizzu referred to 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.
“The MDP hopes that this change is not just temporary or superficial but will be consistent and beneficial for the people of the Maldives,” said Shahid.
The Maldives is a crucial maritime neighbor for India in the Indian Ocean region, and under the previous government led by President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, bilateral relations, especially in defense and security, strengthened significantly.
Also Read: Supreme Court Grants Bail to Manish Sisodia
MDP Welcomes Shift in Maldives’ India Policy FAQs
Q.1. What is the recent shift in Maldives’ India policy?
Ans. President Muizzu’s government has shifted its stance, replacing Indian military personnel with civilians and reaffirming India as a close ally of the Maldives.
Q.2. How has the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) responded to the policy change?
Ans. The Maldivian Democratic Party has praised the shift in India policy, expressing confidence that India will continue to be the Maldives’ primary ally.
Q.3. Why did Abdulla Shahid urge the Muizzu administration to apologize?
Ans. Abdulla Shahid urged the administration to apologize for past actions and statements that damaged the Maldives’ international reputation and economic standing.
Q.4. What is the significance of India-Maldives relations in the Indian Ocean region?
Ans. The Maldives is a key maritime neighbor for India, with strong bilateral ties, especially in defense and security, under the previous government.
Q.5. What was the purpose of India’s External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit to the Maldives?
Ans. Minister Jaishankar’s three-day visit aimed to restore diplomatic ties and address the recent changes in Maldives’ India policy.
