 "Maldives: Opposition leader slams President Muizzu, urges better ties with India")
Predecessor Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has stated that in order to overcome the financial obstacles, President Mohamed Muizzu of the Maldives must cease being “stubborn” and engage in conversation with neighbors. Days prior, Muizzu—who is seen as a pro-China leader—asked India to relieve the island nation of its debt. Solih then made similar statements.
In September of last year, Muizzu, 45, emerged victorious over Solih, 62, in the presidential contest.
Speaking at a Male’ gathering to encourage support for the MDP parliamentary candidates running in four Maafannu constituencies, Solih mentioned he had read media reports implying Muizzu wanted to discuss debt restructuring with India.
However, according to media reports, Solih did not imply that Indian loans are the reason behind the financial difficulties.
According to Solih, the Maldives owes China MVR 18 billion, while India is owing MVR 8 billion. The repayment time is 25 years.
“However, I am confident that our neighbours will help. We must stop being stubborn and seek dialogue. There are many parties that can help us. But he [Muizzu] doesn’t want to compromise. I feel they [the government] are starting to understand the situation only now,” Solih said.
The former president said the government was deceiving the public and relaunching projects initiated by the MDP government. He said ministers are now lying to cover up those lies.
Muizzu criticised India during and after the presidential election campaign and relations between the two countries have deteriorated since he assumed office in November.
He has demanded the complete withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel manning three aviation platforms used for humanitarian and medical evacuations in the Maldives by May 10. The first batch of 26 Indian military personnel have already left the island nation and were replaced by civilians.
Impact Shorts
View AllIn his first media interview, Muizzu claimed that he has not taken any action or made any statements that may strain the relationship between the two countries.
India will continue to remain the Maldives’ closest ally, he said and emphasised that there was no question about it, Maldives news portal Edition.mv said in a report on Thursday.
Muizzu’s conciliatory comments towards India came ahead of Parliament elections in Maldives slated to be held on April 21.
He is yet to visit India although it has been four months since the new government took over. The first overseas trip by Maldivian presidents had always been to India, the report noted. However, Muizzu visited China in January, making his first state visit.
(With agency inputs)
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