Maldives first, but will never hurt India’s security interests: President Muizzu

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, on his first bilateral visit to India, reassured that his country’s ‘Maldives First’ policy will not impinge on its longstanding relationship with India, particularly in terms of security interests.

“We are confident that our engagements with other nations will not undermine India’s security interests,” Muizzu said in an interview with the Times of India. Muizzu, who is known for his pro-China stance, said the Maldives will continue to pursue strong and strategic relations with India as it is a “valued partner and friend” and their relationship is “built on mutual respect and shared interests.”

He reiterated that the Maldives will continue to work together with India to ensure regional stability and security, even as New Delhi looks askance at Malé’s deepening ties with Beijing, be it in defence or trade and investment. Asked about his decision to remove Indian troops from the island nation, the Maldives President claimed his actions were in line with the sentiments of most Maldivians.

“What I did is what the people of Maldives asked from me. The recent changes reflect our efforts to address domestic priorities. Our review of past agreements is aimed at ensuring they align with our national interests and contribute positively to regional stability,” he explained.

Muizzu stated that Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns, and that bilateral ties will only grow broader and deeper going forth. “The relations between the Maldives and India have always been strong, and I am confident this visit will further strengthen it,” he added.

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) echoed this sentiment, noting that Muizzu’s visit, which began on Sunday, would provide a significant boost to the “long-standing India-Maldives comprehensive bilateral partnership.”

This marks Muizzu’s first bilateral visit to India, though he had previously attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June. Staring at an economic crisis in his country, Muizzu

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Muizzu on Sunday and expressed optimism about the talks. “We are confident that Muizzu’s discussions with Prime Minister Modi will lend a new impetus to our friendly ties,” Jaishankar said.

During the five-day visit, President Muizzu is expected to hold discussions with PM Modi on a range of bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest, according to the MEA.

Since Muizzu assumed office as the President of the Maldives in November last year, diplomatic relations between India and the Maldives have nosedived. After rising to power on the back of his ‘India Out’ campaign, he immediately ordered the withdrawal of Indian troops and support staff from the Maldives.

Now, as the island nation contends with an economic crisis compounded by ballooning debt, Muizzu is looking to India for financial aid. According to reports, his visit to New Delhi is not only aimed at resetting ties but also to seek a bailout package to the tune of hundreds of millions of dollars.