Maldives leader asks for apology to India and PM Modi from President Muizzu
Gasuim Ibrahim, the leader of the Jumhoori Party, has called on Maldives President Muizzu to issue a formal apology to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking "diplomatic reconciliation" in an effort to mend bilateral relations.
Ibrahim's demand stems from President Muizzu's recent remarks, which were perceived as "pro-China," referencing India as a bully without explicitly naming the country. This statement further fueled tensions amid a diplomatic row that ensued after three Maldivian ministers posted derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Modi on social media.
Plan for Impeachment Motion against President Muizzu
Coincidentally, this call for an apology comes on the heels of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), the main opposition party with a parliamentary majority, announcing its intention to submit a motion for the impeachment of President Muizzu.
Apology urged for controversial Interview
Gasim, speaking to the media after a Jumhoori Party meeting, urged President Muizzu to formally apologize to India and Prime Minister Modi for the controversial remarks made during a recent interview. Expressing concern over the comments, Gasim stressed the need for the Maldives to seek forgiveness from India for the perceived indirect attacks made by Muizzu.
Gasim attributed the unwarranted remarks to former President Abdulla Yameen, who initiated the "India Out" campaign, leading to tensions between Maldives and India. He also pointed out that former President Ibrahim Solih delayed in opposing the campaign. Gasim urged "diplomatic reconciliation through a formal apology to mend bilateral relations," emphasizing India's significant role and expertise in various fields.
Maldivian President Muizzu
Muizzu's recent comments suggesting a reduction in dependence on India, particularly in medical services and medicines, have further complicated the relationship between the Maldives and India. Gasim criticized the proposal to end the import of general medicines from India, emphasizing the impracticality of such a move given India's expertise in these fields.
Ongoing concerns about Anti-India stance
This isn't the first time Muizzu has faced pressure to mend ties with India. On January 24, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and Democrats, emphasizing India as the "most long-standing ally," expressed concern about the Muizzu government's "anti-India stance."
Strategic shift towards China
Tensions between India and Maldives escalated when President Muizzu, soon after assuming office, made Beijing his first port of call. Traditionally, New Delhi had been the first port of call for a new Maldivian President. This shift was underscored by the Maldives government's recent decision to allow a Chinese research and survey ship to dock at a Maldivian port, amid strained ties with India.
In November, shortly after taking office, President Muizzu formally requested India to withdraw 88 military personnel from the Maldives by March 15. The request was made on the grounds that the Maldivian people had given him a "strong mandate" to seek this withdrawal from New Delhi.
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