October 13th 2024.
A former president of the Maldives, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, shared his criticism towards the current ruling administration and President Mohammad Muizzu for their decision to move forward with agreements that were previously deemed a national security risk by Muizzu's party, PNC, during the 2023 presidential campaign.
Muizzu recently returned from a state visit to India, where he expressed his gratitude for India's financial aid and unwavering support, especially during challenging times. However, Muizzu, who was known for his pro-China stance, had campaigned aggressively against India, calling for them to remove their military personnel from the Maldives shortly after taking office in November. Despite this, a mutual agreement was reached, and about 90 personnel were repatriated by May of this year.
Solih highlighted that Muizzu's support for various Maldives-India initiatives, including projects to develop a harbor and dockyard at the Uthuru Thila Falhu military base, expand the Hanimaadhoo airport, and open an Indian consulate in Addu, were all previously opposed by PNC. Solih shared his disappointment during MDP's 'Laamarukazee Gulhun' conference, stating that Muizzu's promises during his presidential campaign were baseless and that the damage caused by spreading false information about neighboring countries and leaders was immeasurable.
Solih also pointed out that the current administration is continuing with these projects without making any changes to the agreements made during his presidency, such as the UTF agreement. Solih clarified that this project was initiated with the support of the Indian government to enhance the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force, but PNC officials had accused it of being a covert Indian naval base and even led protests against it.
Additionally, Solih mentioned PNC's opposition to building an Indian consulate in Addu, claiming it would be used as a listening post for the Indian intelligence agency. This opposition was brought up again last week as Muizzu completed his first state visit to India from October 6 to 10. The main opposition also criticized the administration for being "naive and inexperienced" in their diplomatic relationships and realizing that lies and deceit cannot be used in conducting diplomacy.
Former president Mohamed Nasheed echoed Solih's sentiment, emphasizing the natural partnership between India and the Maldives during Muizzu's meetings with Indian leaders in New Delhi. The relationship between these two South Asian nations had previously taken a hit when two Maldivian ministers mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's photos of Lakshadweep Islands earlier this year, causing Indian tourists to boycott the Maldives, leading to a decline in tourism.
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