India’s Strategic Ally’: Maldives President Urges Debt Relief from India Amid Tensions

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, after recent tensions, has extended an olive branch to India, labeling the country as the Maldives’ ‘closest ally’ and appealing for debt relief. Muizzu’s plea comes as the Maldives is facing a debt of $400.9 million to India.

Since assuming office last November, President Muizzu had taken a firm stance against India, demanding the repatriation of Indian military personnel operating in the Maldives. However, in a recent interview, he praised India for its aid to the Maldives and declared India as the closest ally.

Following Muizzu’s call, the first batch of Indian military personnel has left the Maldives, in line with the President’s request for their withdrawal by May 10. India has been actively involved in providing humanitarian and medical services to the Maldives through helicopters and aircraft.

President Muizzu emphasized India’s key role in the Maldives due to its strategic location in the Indian Ocean Region, just 70 nautical miles from Lakshadweep. He appealed to India for leniency in the repayment of significant loans taken by the Maldivian government over the years.

As preparations for Parliament elections in the Maldives gear up for mid-April, President Muizzu is focused on addressing the hefty loans owed to India, amounting to 6.2 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa by the end of last year. He expressed optimism that India would assist in restructuring the loan repayment process to suit the Maldives’ economic capabilities.

In discussions with Indian Prime Minister Modi during the COP28 summit in Dubai, President Muizzu reiterated his commitment to ongoing projects and proposed the establishment of a high-level committee for swift decision-making. Despite previous tensions over Indian military presence, Muizzu confirmed that India has agreed to withdraw its personnel from the Maldives.

While President Muizzu has pursued closer ties with China, signing strategic agreements with Beijing and receiving financial assistance, his recent efforts signal a shift towards strengthening relations with India. He emphasized the importance of productive discussions and diplomacy in resolving bilateral issues.