Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has publicly apologized for the derogatory remarks made by a former minister about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, acknowledging the impact these comments had on the relationship between the two countries. While addressing a question-and-answer session at Princeton University’s “Dean’s Leadership Series,” Muizzu stated, “Nobody should say such things.” He added that he had taken action to address the situation. This marks the first public response from the President regarding the controversial statements that sparked a diplomatic row.
Muizzu also clarified the Maldives’ position on foreign military presence, stating that the country faces a “serious problem” with such forces on its territory. This comes after his government previously requested the withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, which was completed in May. Despite this, tensions escalated following the former minister’s remarks, leading to a formal protest by India.
Despite the recent difficulties, President Muizzu is committed to strengthening bilateral ties with India. He has announced plans to visit India as soon as possible, emphasizing the “very strong” relationship between the two countries. This will be his second visit to India, following his attendance at Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June.
India has recently shown its continued support for the Maldives by extending a USD 50 million Treasury Bill rollover for another year. This gesture highlights the importance of the bilateral relationship despite recent challenges.
It’s worth noting that while almost every Maldivian president has traditionally made India their first foreign visit, Muizzu broke this pattern, choosing to visit Turkey and China first. This, combined with the recent events, indicates a shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy. However, the President’s apology and commitment to strengthening relations suggest a potential for future cooperation between the two countries.
The recent diplomatic tension has undoubtedly impacted bilateral relations. Data from the Maldives Tourism Ministry reveals a 33% drop in Indian tourist arrivals this year compared to last year. To further repair the relationship, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently visited the Maldives, inaugurating High Impact Community Development Projects and exchanging MoUs. These developments, alongside President Muizzu’s apology and planned visit, offer hope for a resolution to the recent dispute and a restoration of the strong bilateral ties between the two countries.
