The Maldives governmentโs perceived โanti-India stanceโ raises concerns about its impact on the nationโs development, cautioning opposition parties. This follows the announcement of a Chinese ship docking at the Maldivian port, contributing to strained relations with India and signalling a potential geopolitical shift. President Mohamed Muizzu, who won the 2023 elections with an anti-India narrative, diverging from predecessorsโ pro-India policies, is urged by both the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats to avoid alienating long-standing allies for sustained development.
The opposition parties emphasize India as the โmost long-standing allyโ and stress the importance of collaboration with all development partners for stability in the Indian Ocean Region. The joint news conference, featuring MDPโs Fayyaz Ismail, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem, Democratsโ Hassan Latheef, and Parliamentary Group Leader Ali Azim, underscores the need for a balanced foreign policy direction.
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Tensions escalated after the Maldives upgraded ties with China following a diplomatic spat over derogatory comments by Maldivian ministers against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A March 5 deadline for India to withdraw troops, set after President Muizzuโs state visit to China, further strains relations.
Maldivesโ decision to allow a Chinese survey ship at its port raised eyebrows, with assurances that no โresearchโ in Maldivian waters would occur. This move is interpreted as part of Maleโs pivot away from New Delhi toward Beijing. The Maldives justifies its decision by stating that historical openness to vessels from friendly countries is a potential recalibration of diplomatic priorities.
As the opposition parties express concerns about the governmentโs foreign policy direction, they emphasize the historical significance of Indiaโs role and the need for cooperation to ensure stability and security in the Indian Ocean. The evolving dynamics in the region prompt scrutiny of the Maldivesโ strategic choices and their implications for long-term development and geopolitical alignments.
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