New Delhi: Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, has arrived in India on a four-day official visit. Despite his previous alignment with China, Muizzu has signalled a shift in tone, reassuring India that the Maldives will never take any actions that would harm India’s security.
Addressing concerns about the Maldives’ relations with China, Muizzu made it clear that his country’s ties with Beijing would not threaten India. “Maldives will never do anything that will harm the security of India. India is a valued partner and friend of Maldives,” he said, adding that the two nations share mutual respect and common interests. “Our actions will always ensure that the security and stability of our region are not compromised.”
The Maldives, currently facing a severe economic crisis, appears to be strengthening its relationship with India in a bid to overcome its financial difficulties. Muizzu’s visit marks an effort to restore relations with India, which had cooled in recent months following the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives and controversial remarks made by Maldivian officials about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Muizzu, who came to power last year on the back of the “India Out” campaign, has now adopted a more conciliatory tone. During his recent visit to the US, Muizzu clarified his stance on foreign troops in the Maldives, stating that while he had reservations about their presence, he was not opposed to any specific country.
When questioned about his decision to withdraw Indian troops, Muizzu emphasized that domestic priorities were at the heart of the decision. “Maldives and India now better understand each other’s priorities and concerns. I did what the Maldivian people asked me to do,” he explained. “Our review of past agreements is aimed at ensuring that they align with our national interests and contribute positively to regional stability.”
Muizzu’s visit comes at a time when the Maldives is grappling with financial instability, with foreign exchange reserves plummeting to $440 million. The country is on the brink of bankruptcy, struggling to repay its debt. In light of these challenges, Muizzu is seeking to rebuild ties with India, which has historically provided economic and strategic support to the Maldives.
As Muizzu seeks to strengthen relations with India, it remains to be seen how his government will balance its partnerships with both India and China. Nevertheless, his statements during this visit indicate a renewed commitment to India, signalling a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy approach.
Comments are closed.