Former Maldives President Advises Mohamed Muizzu to End Stubbornness Amid Tensions With India

Former Maldives President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has urged President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu to abandon his obstinacy and engage in dialogue with neighboring countries to address the nation’s financial woes. Solih made these remarks during a rally in Male’ organized to garner support for the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) ahead of parliamentary elections.

At the gathering, Solih highlighted media reports suggesting Muizzu’s interest in discussing debt restructuring with India. However, Solih argued that Maldives’ financial challenges stem primarily from debts owed to China rather than India. He emphasized that Maldives owes China more than two times the debt as compared to India.

Expressing confidence in the willingness of neighboring and Islamic countries from the Middle East to assist Maldives, Solih emphasized the necessity of abandoning stubbornness and embracing dialogue. He criticized the current government’s actions, sarcastically remarking on the limited assistance received from the Middle East, citing only 50 tons of dates.

“We must stop being stubborn and seek dialogue. There are many parties that can help us. But he [Muizzu] doesn’t want to compromise. I feel they [the government] are starting to understand the situation only now,” Solih said at the rally.

Muizzu’s strained relationship with India, marked by criticism during and after the presidential election campaign, has led to deteriorating bilateral relations. Despite assuming office four months ago, Muizzu has yet to visit India, breaking the tradition of Maldivian Presidents making their first overseas trip to India. Instead, Muizzu visited China in January, marking his inaugural state visit.

One contentious issue has been Muizzu’s demand for the withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel responsible for operating aviation platforms used for humanitarian and medical evacuations by May 10. The first batch of 26 Indian military personnel has already left, replaced by civilians.

Despite his earlier anti-India rhetoric, Muizzu has softened his stance, acknowledging India as Maldives’ “closest ally” and urging New Delhi to offer debt relief, given Maldives’ debt of approximately $400.9 million to India by the end of last year.

In his first interview with local media since assuming office, Muizzu praised India’s aid and project implementation, emphasizing India’s importance as Maldives’ closest ally. These remarks followed the departure of the first batch of Indian military personnel, in accordance with Muizzu’s demand for their complete withdrawal by May 10.

Muizzu also defended his decision to deploy civilians instead of military personnel for aviation operations, stating that the former administration’s demand for the removal of Indian troops had not succeeded, as Indian personnel remained in Maldives.

Muizzu’s conciliatory gestures towards India come ahead of parliamentary elections in mid-April. He urged India to consider debt relief measures amidst the repayment of substantial loans accumulated over successive administrations.