The President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), Abdulla Shahid, has expressed criticism of the current administration, labeling it as naive and inexperienced in matters of diplomacy.
Shahid's remarks come as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu embarks on a five-day state visit to India, an important milestone in the bilateral relationship. Having previously served as the Maldives’ top diplomat during the MDP administration, Shahid stated that the current government is starting to grasp that international relations cannot be built on falsehoods.
The People’s National Congress (PNC), which President Muizzu leads, campaigned on an ‘India Out’ platform during the 2023 presidential elections, alleging that the previous MDP administration had engaged in secret agreements with India that threatened the Maldives' security and sovereignty. Since taking office, President Muizzu has insisted on the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, a commitment he made during his campaign.
Tensions between Male’ and New Delhi were exacerbated by derogatory remarks from three Maldivian deputy ministers regarding India and Prime Minister Modi, made in response to a social media promotion of Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives. The Maldivian Foreign Ministry quickly distanced itself from these comments, asserting that they did not reflect the government's official stance. This led to the suspension of the three junior ministers, with two—Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef—resigning prior to the current state visit.
Despite these strains, both nations have expressed their commitment to maintaining relations, as evidenced by several high-level visits in recent months.
In a post on X, Shahid welcomed the revival of longstanding ties between the Maldives and India, thanking New Delhi for its steadfastness. He reiterated his concerns about the current administration's diplomatic capabilities, stating, “What we are seeing is the Administration’s naivety and inexperience in diplomacy.” He also commended the continuation of projects initiated under former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
Happy to see the age-old ties between the Maldives-India being revived.
— Abdulla Shahid (@abdulla_shahid) October 7, 2024
Thank you India for remaining steadfast and resolute with the Maldivian people.
Encouraged that the projects and initiatives launched during President @ibusolih's administration has come to fruition, and…
During the visit, President Muizzu and Prime Minister Modi launched India’s RuPay card in the Maldives, inaugurated a new runway at Hanimaadhoo Airport, and renewed cooperation agreements with the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Judicial Service Commission, and on sports and youth empowerment. Discussions also included the establishment of an Indian consulate in Addu City and cooperation on the Uthuru Thila Falhu project, both of which the PNC opposed while in opposition.
Shahid commented on these developments, stating, “It is also heartening that the Consulate of India to be opened in Addu City has received positive consideration by the Government—despite their supposed objections while in opposition.” He expressed hope for the continued positive trajectory of Maldives-India relations.
