Maldivian President Mohammad Mueez has benefited more than ever from improved relations with India. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main opposition party here, has welcomed the decision. He also affirmed that India has been the most reliable partner of Maldives in times of crisis. MDP chief Abdullah Shahid has been the foreign minister of Maldives. He also asked the Muzo administration to issue a public apology for the officials’ lies and irresponsible comments. Due to these statements, Maldives has suffered a lot economically.
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is on a three-day official visit to Maldives. After meeting Jaishankar, Abdullah Shahid posted on X, “Maldives has always believed that whenever it dials the international number 911, India will be the first to respond.” He said that anti-India sentiments were fueled through aggressive slogans and ridicule of the present government. A veteran friend and development partner of the time was branded a regional bully. This led to a loss of international reputation, economic losses and unnecessary hardship to the Maldives.
He emphasized on strengthening historical relations.
Let us tell you that President Mohammad Muizhu has reiterated the government’s commitment to strengthen the close and historic ties with India. He also held bilateral talks with India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, focusing on strengthening economic ties in 6 key areas (economic relations, housing, defence, tourism, capacity building and infrastructure development). was concentrated. President Moizo welcomed the Indian Foreign Minister to Maldives during a meeting at the headquarters. Muizzu thanked the Government of India for the warm and gracious hospitality extended to him during his visit to India to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June. He said that during the visit there were wide-ranging discussions focusing on enhancing bilateral relations.
How did the relations between India and Maldives become strained?
Relations between India and the Maldives soured last year when Moizhu, known for his pro-China leanings, took over as president. Within hours of taking oath of office, Moizo demanded the recall of Indian military personnel from his country. Besides, the statement of Maldivian leaders regarding Lakshadweep worsened the situation. However, Muizzu and his party leaders soon came to their senses and are now busy trying to improve relations with India. Opposition leader Shahid said that ‘MDP hopes that this change will not be temporary or cosmetic but will be in the best interest of the people of Maldives.’ Thus, his position seems to be strengthened by the praise he receives from the opposition party and the support of his countrymen.
