Male: Maldives President Mohammed Muizzu has been in the headlines for his anti-India rhetoric. But now he has adopted a conciliatory stance. He said India would remain a “close ally” of his country. Along with this, he has also urged New Delhi to provide debt relief to the archipelagic nation. In fact, by the end of last year, Maldives owed India approximately US$400.9 million. Since taking oath as President in November last year, pro-China Maldivian leader Muizzu had adopted a tough stance towards India and demanded that Indian military personnel operating three aviation platforms be sent back from their country by May 10. .
What did President Muizzu say?
In his interview with local media after assuming office, Muizzu said India played a key role in providing assistance to the Maldives and has implemented the “largest number” of projects. According to reports, Muizzu said that India will remain a close ally of Maldives and there is no doubt about it. India has been providing humanitarian and medical services to the people of Maldives for the last few years through two helicopters and one Dornier aircraft. Muizzu urged India to include debt relief measures for Maldives in repayment of “huge debts taken by governments”.
No intention to stop any project
Muizzu’s positive comments towards India come ahead of the parliamentary elections to be held in Maldives in mid-April. He said that Maldives has taken large scale loans from India. He said that “he is currently in discussion with the Government of India to explore options to repay the loan as per the economic capabilities of Maldives.” Muizzoo with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the COP28 summit in Dubai in December 2023. Referring to their discussions in Dubai, he said, “I also told Prime Minister Modi during our meeting that I do not intend to stop any project. Instead, I had expressed my desire to accelerate them.
What did the Indian Army say on the controversy?
While answering a question about Indian military personnel, Muizzu described it as the “only matter of dispute” that has arisen with India regarding the presence of Indian Army in Maldives and said that India has also accepted this fact. And has agreed to withdraw the military personnel. He said that “it is not right to reject or ignore the aid given from one country to another.” He claimed that he did not take any such step or make any such statement which could harm the relations between the two countries. There was tension in the relationship. Muizzu said his government worked to find sensible solutions through discussions to deal with the issue of Indian Army in Maldives.
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