Maldives President Muizzu Visits India to Normalize Relations
Maldives President Muizzu, facing an economic crisis, has made a surprising U-turn on his anti-India stance, seeking financial aid and stronger ties with India despite earlier tensions.
India and the Maldives have had a troubled relationship since January 2024, when some Maldivian officials mocked Prime Minister Modi’s Lakshadweep trip, sparking a social media backlash in India with hashtags like #BoycottMaldives and #VisitLakshadweep. Things worsened when Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu, known for his pro-China stance, gave India an ultimatum to withdraw submarines, helicopters, and Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, further straining diplomatic ties.
However, recent developments indicate a surprising U-turn in Maldives' stance towards India.
On 6th October 2024, President Muizzu and his wife Sajidha Mohamed arrived in Delhi for a 5-day diplomatic visit. In an interview with BBC before the trip, Muizzu praised India’s role as one of the Maldives’ largest trade and development partners, hinting at the need for financial aid as the country faces a severe economic crisis.
The Maldives’ foreign exchange reserves have dropped to $440 million, barely enough for 1.5 months of imports. With no financial aid from China despite prior promises, the Maldives risks international debt default, pushing Muizzu to seek help from India.
In bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India agreed to offer financial support worth ?6,300 crore through a currency swap arrangement, enabling Maldives' access to $400 million and ?30 billion in Indian currency until June 2027. Additionally, both countries discussed a free trade deal and the “Economic and Maritime Security Partnership” to enhance Maldives’ maritime surveillance, trade, and digitalisation.
President Muizzu has also welcomed Indian tourists back to the Maldives, saying Indians are always welcome and contribute positively to their economy.
Despite this newfound warmth, Muizzu’s shift is being mocked by opposition leaders and social media users in both countries, who believe his change of heart is driven by Maldives’ economic troubles. Critics argue that his previous anti-India stance was politically motivated, and now, faced with harsh realities, he is seeking India’s help.
Watch more about this topic on ISH's videos:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fMxTiJmIlpw&t=337s
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lcBujGRLwE0
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtsB_8YTPLw
President Muizzu is now pushing for quick implementation of India’s UPI system in the Maldives and aims to strengthen ties with India while addressing the country’s financial woes.
