The leader of the Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), Qasim Ibrahim, has called on Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to issue a formal apology to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the people of India. The call for an apology comes in the wake of remarks made during President Muizzu’s recent trip to China, where the opposition leader criticized the president’s participation in the ‘India Out’ campaign.
In a statement reported by the Maldivian digital news outlet Voice of Maldives, Qasim Ibrahim emphasized the importance of diplomatic relations, especially with neighboring countries. He highlighted the obligation to uphold the state’s interests and urged President Muizzu to refrain from nullifying the Presidential Decree issued by the former president, Ibrahim Solih, banning the ‘India Out’ campaign.
The ‘India Out’ campaign, led by the opposition and former President Abdulla Yameen, has been a source of tension in Maldives-India relations. The campaign alleges the presence of Indian military officers in the Maldives is a violation of sovereignty. However, President Solih, during his tenure, signed a decree categorizing the campaign as a “threat to national security,” allowing security agencies to take down campaign banners and take action against opposition parties.
Qasim Ibrahim stressed that nullifying the decree would result in a loss for the nation and called on President Muizzu to maintain the ban on the ‘India Out’ campaign. Additionally, he urged the president to issue a formal apology to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding the remarks made after the China trip.
The call for an apology and the plea to maintain strong diplomatic ties with India reflect the ongoing complexities in Maldives-India relations. President Muizzu’s recent request for the fast-track withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives has added strain to the bilateral relationship. The withdrawal is set to be completed by March 15, 2024, as per the president’s request.
The removal of Indian troops has been a key campaign promise for President Muizzu, signaling a shift in the geopolitical dynamics of the Maldives. Both India and China have sought influence in the island nation through infrastructure investments and loans. The recent tensions and diplomatic maneuvers have highlighted the delicate balance in the region and the evolving relationships between nations.
Qasim Ibrahim’s call for a formal apology to India underscores the significance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties, especially in the face of strained relations and geopolitical shifts. The complexities surrounding the ‘India Out’ campaign and the withdrawal of Indian military personnel reflect the challenges in navigating diplomatic relationships in the region. The coming weeks will likely see further developments as both nations navigate these intricacies to ensure stability and cooperation.
