Opposition leaders criticise Muizzu’s u-turn on India, highlighting the consequences of previous anti-India rhetoric during his administration
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is under fire from opposition leaders and social media users following his recent visit to India, where he extended overtures to strengthen diplomatic relations. Critics are pointing out the stark contrast between Muizzu’s current approach and his earlier stance, which was marked by aggressive anti-India sentiments.
Upon assuming office in November 2023, Muizzu led a fervent ‘India Out’ campaign, demanding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. His administration’s hardline stance culminated in the removal of around 90 Indian troops from the island nation earlier this year, following a mutual agreement. However, during his ongoing visit to India, Muizzu’s sudden friendliness has raised eyebrows among his political opponents.
Abdulla Shahid, president of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), expressed his disapproval, labelling Muizzu’s government as “naive and inexperienced.” He stated that the administration seems to have realised that “diplomacy cannot be conducted through lies and deceit.” Shahid reflected on the importance of the Maldives’ long-standing ties with India and thanked the Indian government for its unwavering support of the Maldivian people.
Embed from Getty Images“Seeing the current administration coming to this realisation is encouraging,” he wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter). “I am heartened to see projects and initiatives launched during the tenure of pro-India President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih come to fruition and continue.”
Shahid’s remarks echoed sentiments shared by former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who has historically championed closer relations with India. Nasheed praised the recent developments, describing India and the Maldives as “natural partners” that share rich cultural and historical ties. He expressed his contentment regarding Muizzu’s meetings with Indian leaders in Delhi, suggesting that the “relationship has been fixed.”
“India and the Maldives are natural partners with so much in common: music, films, food, culture, history, and geography. We should always remain friends,” Nasheed tweeted, congratulating both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Muizzu on the diplomatic thaw.
Amid the diplomatic re-engagement, MDP Chairperson Fayaz Ismail highlighted the significant fallout from Muizzu’s earlier anti-India rhetoric. He condemned the “careless tactics” of Muizzu’s government, arguing that they severely damaged the Maldives’ international reputation.
“President Muizzu’s inflammatory rhetoric and needless alienation of our closest ally have come at a huge economic and political cost,” Ismail stated. “It has jeopardised our nation’s ability to overcome financial difficulties at a critical time when we needed assistance, eroding our credibility in financial markets and affecting our capacity to raise funds.”
As Muizzu navigates this shift in foreign policy, the Maldives’ leaders are faced with the challenge of repairing relations that were strained during his administration’s early months. The transition from hostility to diplomacy has not gone unnoticed, as public opinion shifts and political scrutiny increases.
Diplomacy, especially in the context of international relations, requires more than mere gestures. As the Maldives seeks to redefine its foreign policy, it will be essential for the Muizzu administration to engage in an honest and transparent dialogue with all its allies, particularly India, which remains a critical partner in the region.
The Maldivian populace, while witnessing the current government’s diplomatic manoeuvres, may hope for a stable and beneficial relationship with India that fosters economic growth and regional cooperation. However, as the political discourse evolves, so too will the expectations of a nation that desires accountability and integrity from its leaders.
