Pres: This administration reduced dependence on limited countries; boosted global presence

President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu states his administration has reduced the Maldives reliance on a limited number of countries and ensured that the nation’s voice is heard in the international arena.

In his presidential address at this year’s inaugural sitting of Parliament on Thursday, the President underscored the need to exercise caution when strengthening diplomatic relations with foreign nations.

He explained that the current administration prioritizes enhancing diplomatic ties with neighboring and Islamic countries as a key element of its foreign policy. He noted that these relationships are grounded in the noble principles of dialogue and diplomatic rules, with the goal of raising the Maldives’ profile on the global stage.

President Muizzu emphasized that the Maldives achieved notable successes last year through cooperation with countries that demonstrate mutual respect and advance the interests of Maldivian people, in line with the current administration’s “Maldives First” policy.

“The Maldives’ reliance on specific, or limited countries has been reduced, and it has been transformed into a state whose independence and sovereignty command international respect, and its voice is acknowledged on the global stage,” he said.

In this regard, he detailed that Maldives had the opportunity to serve as Vice President of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as Vice President of the UN Human Rights Council.

The President also pointed out Maldives’ involvement in cases currently proceeding at international courts. 

Notably, the current administration’s foreign policy has been criticized from day one.

Maldives had strained relations with India at the onset of the current administration due to the ‘India Out’ campaign during the administration’s time in opposition and derogatory remarks made by three deputy ministers about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This resulted in a social media boycott of the Maldivian tourism industry in India which was endorsed by many influential figures including Bollywood celebrities. Subsequently, arrivals from India, which had been the top tourist market to the Maldives post-COVID-19 pandemic, plummeted significantly, adversely impacting Maldivian economy’s backbone, tourism.

The administration was then forced take measures to repair the strained relations which drew further criticism for their perceived irony. This included high-level visits between the nation, including a state visit from Indian Minister Narendra Modi, who attended Maldives’ Independence Day events last year as the chief guest as the first foreign leader to do so. 

Furthermore, foreign aid to the Maldives has decreased during the two years of the current administration, which experts attribute to shortcomings in its foreign policy.