Ten months after he stormed to power riding on the 'India Out' campaign, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has cleared his stance on the island nation's equations with India, stating the Maldives wouldn't do anything to undermine India's security. The President, known for his pro-China stance, said the Maldives will continue to prioritise its longstanding and trusted relationship with India.
Muizzu's U-turn comes as the island nation grapples with an acute financial crunch pushing it towards sovereign default. The dwindling foreign exchange which stand at $470mn, just enough for two months of imports, and debt too prompted Muizzu to reset his ties with India.
The President, who is in India for a 5-day state visit, met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday. Earlier, he was accorded a ceremonial welcome and guard of honour at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Muizzu was accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed and a Maldivian delegation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also present on the occasion as President Droupadi Murmu welcomed the visiting dignitaries at the Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Muizzu eyes a financial helpline from India in the form of grant-in-aid and restructuring debt repayments.
In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, Muizzu had termed India as a valued partner and friend of the Maldives.
When asked about the strained relations between Maldives and India which is now looking hopeful, Muizzu refused to term it a "roller-coaster ride", stating the countries had a historic connection that is "intertwined like the roots of a tree."
"I have already undertaken a visit to India, for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi in June this year. I also had the pleasure, soon after my inauguration, to meet the Prime Minister on the sidelines of COP28. You can agree, that’s far from being a roller coaster ride," he said, adding that he was confident this visit would further strengthen the relations between the countries.
He defended his decision to expel the Indian defence personnel from the Maldivian shores, stating it was what his people wanted from him. But, Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other's priorities and defence cooperation will always be there.
He said his country was trying to avoid over-dependence on any one particular nation and his policy was 'Maldives First'. "For me, Maldives will always come first. But respect for our neighbours and friends is embedded in our DNA. Indians have always been welcome in the Maldives, Indians continue to prosper in the Maldives and be safe and happy. Indian tourists are welcome in the Maldives," he said, adding that the focus was on enhancing people-to-people participation.