The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats jointly issued a joint press statement, labelling the shift in foreign policy as ‘extremely detrimental’ to the country’s long-term development.
The statement served to reassert and affirm the opposition’s belief that “alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country”.
Muizzu came to power in November based on his ‘India Out’ campaign. Shortly after taking the reigns, Muizzu — who is staunchly pro-China — asked India to withdraw all its 88 military personnel stationed on the island nation. He has also placed under review several dozen pacts that were signed between New Delhi and the previous India-friendly government.
Ties between the nations turned even more sour after some junior ministers in the Muizzu government made disparaging remarks against India, which sparked an online ‘Boycott Maldives’ trend that was supported by Bollywood stars and cricketers.
The ppposition further underscored that “stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives”.
Both the MDP and The Democrats emphasised the critical need for consecutive governments to maintain the ability “to work with all development partners for the benefit of the people of the Maldives, as the Maldives has traditionally done”.
They expressed the view that a departure from the historical collaboration with India could potentially jeopardise the country’s stability and progress.
(With inputs from agencies)