The Maldives President Mohammad Muizzu is facing criticism from opposition parties over his recent “anti-India” stance. Muizzu was elected on an “India Out” platform, promising to remove some Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. He has also accused his predecessor of compromising national sovereignty. Recently, three government deputy ministers posted derogatory remarks against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media, which stirred concern in India and called for a boycott by many Indians.
Muizzu suspended the three ministers until further notice, stating that their remarks do not reflect government policy. However, the opposition parties have called Muizzu’s stance “detrimental” to the development of the Maldives and have criticized his preoccupation with consolidating his hold over the Progressive Party of Maldives-Progressive National Coalition.
Muizzu’s preference to work with China, along with Beijing’s assurances and guarantees, are contributing to his anti-India posturing. The Maldives has its parliamentary election in March 2024, and the opposition parties are using this anti-India narrative to woo voters and hardliners simultaneously. According to the latest government figures, there are 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives to help operate a Dornier aircraft. Muizzu has also asked India to withdraw its military personnel from his country by March 15.
The Maldives’ opposition parties have expressed concern over their government’s ‘anti-India stance’ and have called for the consecutive governments of the country to work with all development partners for the development of the Maldives. Stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives. The Maldives is not in any country’s backyard, and the Indian Ocean does not belong to any particular country.
In conclusion, the Maldives President’s anti-India stance has drawn criticism from opposition parties, who believe that it is detrimental to the development of the Maldives. The Maldives has traditionally worked with all development partners, and stability and security in the Indian Ocean are vital to the stability and security of the Maldives.
