The main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) on Saturday welcomed Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar to the Maldives while sharply criticising the Mohamed Muizzu administration for its earlier stance towards India.
Following a meeting with Jaishankar, the MDP released a statement condemning the Muizzu administration’s initial policies. “The current government’s initial stoking of anti-India sentiments through aggressive slogans, mockery and the branding of a time-tested friend and development partner as a regional bully, has caused a decline in the Maldives’ international standing, economic loss, and many other unnecessary difficulties and challenges,” the statement said.
In the statement, the MDP welcomed the recent shift in policy from the Muizzu administration, moving away from the “India Out” campaign, and expressed hope that this change will be “consistent and meaningful in the best interests of the people of the Maldives.” The party called on the Muizzu government to “issue a public apology to the people of the Maldives for the actions, lies and irresponsible comments from its officials which have resulted in significant damage to the Maldives foreign and economic outlook.”
The MDP expressed gratitude to Minister Jaishankar for his visit and acknowledged the Indian government’s continued support for the people of the Maldives. The party emphasised that the Maldives-India relationship has traditionally been based on “mutual respect, respect for international law, territorial integrity, a common desire for regional security, and an open and peaceful Indian Ocean.” The Maldives has always been confidence that India would always be the Maldives’ first responder in times of need, the party said.
The statement welcomed the exchange of notes to train an additional 1,000 civil service officers—a crucial human resource programme initiated during President Solih’s administration. Additionally, the MDP welcomed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Ministry of Economic Development and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) aimed at enhancing digital and integrated payment systems.
The MDP also expressed gratitude for India’s support in various development projects. Six high-impact community development projects, funded by the Indian government, were inaugurated during President Solih’s administration. Water and sewerage projects in 28 islands were also financed through the EXIM Bank of India, utilising the $800 million Line of Credit extended during President Solih’s state visit to India in December 2018.
The party further expressed appreciation for Jaishankar’s visit to Addu City, where he will oversee the handover of the reclamation and shore protection project and inaugurate a 4-Lane Detour Link Road. Both projects, funded through the EXIM Bank line of credit, are integral to the economic development of the South and were conceptualised and signed during the Solih administration.
In conclusion, the MDP acknowledged India’s extensive support over the past five years, including its funding of major infrastructure projects and vital aid during the COVID-19 pandemic. The statement highlighted India’s role in providing vaccines, medical supplies, financial aid, and humanitarian assistance to help the Maldives address pandemic-related challenges.