Muizzu says Maldives ties with China won't undermine India's security interests

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu is on his first bilateral State visit to India. Muizzu, whose stance has been notably pro-Beijing, has assured that his country’s relations with China will not jeopardise India’s security interests.

Muizzu and the Maldives first lady Sajidha Mohamed arrived in New Delhi on October 6. The official welcoming ceremony will be held on Monday, following which the Maldives President will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi.  

Muizzu’s visit to India comes amid strained ties between both the nations after he asked Indian troops to withdraw from his country soon after assuming office.  

The bilateral ties touched a new low after the Maldives ministers’ objectionable remarks against PM Modi earlier this year.

Maldives to continue prioritising ties with India

In an interview to Times of India, Muizzu said the Maldives would “never do anything that undermines the security of India."

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“While we enhance our cooperation with other countries in various sectors, we remain committed to ensuring that our actions don’t compromise the security and stability of our region,” he said.  

“India is a valued partner and friend of the Maldives, and our relationship is built on mutual respect and shared interests,” the Maldives President said.

Maldives engagements with other nations won’t undermine India’s security interests

“The Maldives will continue to prioritise its longstanding and trusted relationship with India, and we are confident that our engagements with other nations will not undermine India’s security interests,” Muizzu said when he was asked whether he was sure that the Maldives, which has been looking to expand defence cooperation with China, won’t do anything that might undermine India’s security interests.  

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Dedicated to maintain strong, strategic partnership with India

Muizzu went on to say that his country values its relationship with India and acknowledges the importance of the geographical proximity and historical ties the two nations share.  

“Recent developments reflect a positive trajectory in our bilateral relations, and we are committed to fostering a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership. I believe at the end of this trip it will be clear to all,” he said.  

“While it is essential for the Maldives to diversify its international relations and reduce over-dependence on any single country, we remain dedicated to maintaining a strong and strategic partnership with India, ensuring that our policies serve the best interests of our nation and contribute to regional stability,” he further said.  

Muizzu on withdrawal of India troops 

Talking about withdrawal of Indian troops from the Maldives, Muizzu said, “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. As the world’s largest democracy, I believe that the people and Government of India understand it,” he further said.

Indians always welcome to Maldives

“My policy is ‘Maldives First’ policy. For me, Maldives will always come first. But respect for our neighbors and friends is embedded in our DNA. Indians have always been welcome in the Maldives, Indians continue to prosper in the Maldives, and be safe and happy. Indians make a positive contribution to the Maldivian society. Indian tourists are welcome in the Maldives. And we look forward to enhancing this important characteristic of our partnership – people to people connections,” Muizzu was quoted as saying by ToI.

Muizzu to seek aid from India

The Muizzu-led Maldives government has been staring at an economic crisis and in an interview to BBC, the President said that he is confident that India will come to aid his country.

The Maldives is staring at a debt default as its foreign exchange reserves have dropped to $440m, barely sufficient for one-and-a-half months of imports.      

During his India visit, Muizzu is expected to seek a bailout worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

“India is fully cognizant of our fiscal situation, and as one of our biggest development partners, will always be ready to ease our burden, find better alternatives and solutions to the challenges we face,” Muizzu was quoted as saying by BBC.