Diplomacy Can’t Be Done with Lies: Maldives’ Muizzu Mocked Over U-turn on India

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, currently in India, has come under fire from opposition leaders and social media users in both countries for his sudden shift toward New Delhi. The Maldivian opposition has stated that Muizzu’s administration has now realized that diplomacy cannot be based on “lies and deceit.”

Muizzu, who is perceived as pro-China, took office in November last year after running a strong ‘India Out’ campaign. After assuming office, he requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. As per mutual agreement, around 90 troops were pulled out in May 2024.

Abdulla Shahid, leader of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), expressed satisfaction in seeing the Maldives-India ties being “revived.” He thanked India for standing firm with the Maldivian people and added that the current administration has come to understand that international relations cannot be managed through deceit.

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed echoed Shahid’s views, referring to the Maldives and India as natural partners. He noted that the relationship, which he worked hard to strengthen, has now been “fixed” after Muizzu’s meetings with Indian leaders.

Nasheed, widely regarded as a proponent of strong India-Maldives relations, congratulated both Prime Minister Modi and President Muizzu for improving the diplomatic ties.

MDP Chairperson Fayaz Ismail criticized Muizzu’s anti-India rhetoric, stating that it caused significant economic and political damage to the Maldives. He called for accountability from the government for damaging the nation’s international standing.

In response to the growing financial crisis in the Maldives, India extended crucial budgetary support to Muizzu’s government by rolling over a $50 million Treasury Bill for another year. Muizzu also engaged in talks with top Indian leaders to boost bilateral defense cooperation.

On social media, many users criticized Muizzu’s sudden shift toward India, calling it hypocritical. One user remarked that it was clear that Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign was a deception.

Muizzu’s diplomatic U-turn has sparked widespread chatter online, with users accusing him of using anti-India sentiment for electoral gains but quickly shifting his stance once in power.

Muizzu is on his first official visit to India from October 6 to 10.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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