Maldives Parliamentary Committee Launches Investigation into Four Agreements with Bharat from Previous Administrations

The Maldives Parliamentary Committee has taken a significant step by passing a resolution to investigate agreements made between the previous government and Bharat. This move comes shortly after the inauguration ceremony of Bharatiya Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which saw the presence of Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu.

The resolution was adopted by the 20th Parliament’s Security Services Committee, also known as Parliament 241 Committee. It aims to scrutinize four specific agreements, with allegations suggesting that these deals pose a threat to the Maldives’ sovereignty and independence, as reported by Maldives-based SunOnline International.

The decision to launch this investigation was spurred by a proposal from Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azan, who urged the committee to review all agreements inked between Maldives and Bharat during President Solih’s tenure. Azan has submitted three cases for consideration by the committee.

Among the agreements slated for investigation are the hydrography agreement between Bharat and Maldives, the Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) Dockyard constructed with Bharatiya aid, and the Dornier aircraft gifted by Bharat to the Maldives Defence Forces for humanitarian and search and rescue missions.

Relations between Bharat and Maldives have faced strains since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed office in the island nation. One of Muizzu’s key promises was the removal of Bharatiya troops from Maldives, a move that has already seen progress.

ALSO READ: “Jaishankar Bolsters Diplomatic Relations with Leaders of Mauritius, Bhutan, Nepal, and Seychelles Vice President”

As per the Maldives Foreign Minister, in May, 76 Bharatiya military personnel were replaced by civilian personnel sent by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, the manufacturer of the helicopter donated by the Bharatiya government.

Despite this shift, Maldives Defence Minister Ghassan Maumoon revealed that the nation’s defence forces are still not equipped to operate the three aircraft donated by Bharat, as reported by local media.

In a significant move last year, Maldives President and his cabinet chose not to renew the Hydrography agreement with Bharat, which was originally signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the Maldives in 2019.

Meanwhile, President Mohamed Muizzu participated in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s oath ceremony, joining several distinguished guests and heads of state from neighboring nations and the Indian Ocean Region.