The Maldives government’s perceived “anti-India stance” raises concerns about its impact on the nation’s 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 predecessors’ 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 “most long-standing ally” and stress the importance of collaboration with all development partners for stability in the Indian Ocean Region. The joint news conference, featuring MDP’s Fayyaz Ismail, Deputy Speaker Ahmed Saleem, Democrats’ 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 Muizzu’s state visit to China, further strains relations.
Maldives’ decision to allow a Chinese survey ship at its port raised eyebrows, with assurances that no “research” in Maldivian waters would occur. This move is interpreted as part of Male’s 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 government’s foreign policy direction, they emphasize the historical significance of India’s 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 Maldives’ strategic choices and their implications for long-term development and geopolitical alignments.
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