After a period of strained relations with India, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has extended an olive branch, asserting India’s crucial role as the Maldives’ “closest ally,” according to a report by PTI.

In a recent interview with local media, Muizzu emphasized the need for continued support from India, particularly in addressing the Maldives’ debt burden.

“India will continue to remain the Maldives’ closest ally, there is no question about it,” he told local Dhivehi language publication ‘Mihaaru’ in an interview — his first one since assuming office last November. Excerpts of the interview were also carried in sister publication Edition.mv, as per PTI.

At the close of last year, the Maldives was indebted to India to the tune of around $400.9 million, highlighting the significance of financial cooperation between the two nations.

Diplomatic Shift from Muizzu?

Muizzu’s reconciliatory stance follows a period of tension marked by demands for the repatriation of Indian military personnel from the island nation in December 2023 and a perceived tilt towards China since assuming office in November of that year.

Acknowledging India’s pivotal role in aiding the Maldives, Muizzu stressed the importance of ongoing projects facilitated by India and expressed gratitude for their contributions.

With the weight of substantial loans from India burdening the Maldivian economy, Muizzu appealed for leniency in loan repayment terms, seeking to ease the financial strain on his nation.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu: Strategic Importance in the Indian Ocean

India has been providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives for the last few years using two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft. The Maldives’ proximity to India and its position within vital sea lanes in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) make it strategically important.

“The conditions we have inherited are such that there are very large loans taken from India. Hence, we are holding discussions to explore leniencies in the repayment structure of these loans. Instead of halting any ongoing projects … to proceed with them at speed, so I see no reason for any adverse effects (on Maldives-India relations),” Muizzu added.

The conciliatory gestures towards India come ahead of parliamentary elections slated to be held in the island nation in mid-April.

Muizzu outlined plans for expedited projects and proposed the establishment of high-level committees to ensure swift decision-making, underscoring his commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation.

Debt Management for Maldives

“Maldives has taken significant loans from India, which are heavier than the Maldivian economy can bear. Due to this, he is currently discussing with the Indian government to explore options to repay the loans based on the Maldives’ economic capabilities,” the news portal said quoting him. Muizzu, who expressed hope that India would “facilitate debt relief measures in the repayment of these loans,” also said that he has conveyed his appreciation to the Indian government for their contributions.

“I also conveyed to Prime Minister Modi during our meeting (at the COP28) that I did not intend to halt any ongoing projects. Instead, I expressed my desire to strengthen and expedite them. I suggested a high-level committee be established, one designed for quick decision-making even in the bridge project to ensure speedy work. The same for the Hanimaadhoo Airport,” he added.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu: Managing Military Presence

Addressing concerns about the presence of Indian military personnel, Muizzu emphasized the importance of national security while advocating for a diplomatic resolution to the issue.

He stated that this was “the sole point of contention” with India and mentioned that the Indian government had acknowledged this and agreed to withdraw the military personnel by May 10. “It is inappropriate to dismiss or underestimate aid from one nation to another as insignificant. I have not taken any actions or made any statements that could strain the relationship between our two countries. Even if they belong to another country, we will handle them with the same approach. I have made this very clear. It’s not personal but a matter of our national security,” he elaborated.

“I believe that everything can be resolved through dialogue and negotiation. That’s my belief,” he concluded.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu: Shift towards China

Despite recent gestures of goodwill towards India, Muizzu has actively pursued stronger ties with China, as evidenced by agreements signed during his visit to Beijing and subsequent statements concerning sovereignty in the Indian Ocean.

During his visit to China, he formalized a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership and signed 20 agreements aimed at bolstering the Maldives’ infrastructure, following discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Additionally, China pledged a $130 million grant and committed to increasing the number of Chinese tourists visiting the Maldives, a nation heavily reliant on tourism.

Conclusion: Towards Enhanced Cooperation

President Muizzu’s decision to extend an olive branch to India and seek debt relief underscores the importance of fostering constructive dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. As both nations navigate a complex geopolitical landscape, the path towards enhanced cooperation and mutual benefit remains crucial for stability and prosperity in the Indian Ocean region.