Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu addressed the parliament today in its first session of the year amid criticism for his anti-India stance. According to Mihaaru newspaper, both the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats opted to boycott the presidential statement.
While MDP did not disclose reasons for their decision, The Democrats cited the reappointment of three ministers rejected by parliament.
Per the Maldivian Constitution, the President is mandated to address the parliament in the first session annually, presenting the state of the nation and recommendations for addressing various issues.
President Muizzu's anti-India stance has been a focal point of criticism. His presidential campaign emphasized reducing Indian influence in Maldivian affairs. Following his inauguration, he visited China and held talks with President Xi Jinping.
A significant source of tension between India and Maldives, historical allies, has been the presence of around 80 Indian soldiers in the archipelago. A Reuters report indicated that India agreed to withdraw its troops by May, with the first batch leaving by March 10 and the rest by May 10, as per an agreement reached in New Delhi.
The Maldives foreign ministry stated that both countries reached mutually agreeable solutions to enable the continued operation of Indian aviation platforms providing humanitarian services to the Maldives.
President Muizzu's anti-India stance has faced backlash domestically, with the MDP and The Democrats issuing a joint statement condemning the shift in foreign policy as "extremely detrimental" to the country's long-term development and emphasizing the importance of stability and security in the Indian Ocean.
Additionally, Gasuim Ibrahim, leader of the Jumhoori Party, urged President Muizzu to apologize to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for diplomatic reconciliation to mend ties. Ibrahim's remarks were prompted by President Muizzu's earlier statement upon returning from China, which was interpreted as a veiled criticism of India.
In response to strained ties, External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar emphasized the significance of neighborly relations, noting that history and geography play significant roles in shaping bilateral dynamics.
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