In the first parliamentary session of the year, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu addressed the parliament, drawing criticism for his anti-Bharat stance. The main opposition parties, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, decided to boycott the presidential statement. While MDP did not disclose their reasons, The Democrats pointed to the re-appointment of three ministers rejected by the parliament.
According to the Maldives Constitution, the President is obligated to address the parliament annually during the first session, outlining the state of the nation and recommendations for addressing various issues.
President Muizzu’s anti-Bharat stance has been a focal point of controversy, with his campaign emphasizing a reduction in Bharat influence. After assuming office, he visited China and met President Xi Jinping. One major point of contention with Bharat has been the presence of around 80 Bharatiya soldiers in the Maldives.
A recent news report stated that the Maldives foreign ministry announced Bharat’s commitment to withdraw its troops by May. The first set of troops is expected to leave by March 10, with the rest departing by May 10. The External Affairs Ministry highlighted mutual agreements for the continued operation of Bharat aviation platforms providing humanitarian services to the Maldives.
The anti-Bharat stance of President Muizzu has not been well-received domestically. The joint statement issued by MDP and The Democrats described the shift in foreign policy as “extremely detrimental.” It emphasized the importance of stability and security in the Indian Ocean for the Maldives’ long-term development.
Gasuim Ibrahim, leader of the Jumhoori Party, urged President Muizzu to apologize to Bharat, specifically to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing the need for diplomatic reconciliation to mend strained ties. This call for an apology stems from President Muizzu’s statement after returning from China, where he asserted, “We may be small, but this doesn’t give them the license to bully us,” without explicitly naming any country.
Bharat’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. S Jaishankar, addressed the strained ties, emphasizing the interconnectedness of neighbors due to history and geography. He underscored the inescapable influence of these factors on diplomatic relationships, suggesting the need for collaboration and understanding between nations.
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