Shahid: Maldives has lost confidence of foreign nations, only India providing aid

Former Foreign Minister and former MDP President Abdulla Shahid has claimed that the Maldives has lost international confidence, with India remaining the only country providing substantial assistance to the nation.

Speaking on SSTV’s ‘Baaru Hathareh’ program, Shahid said two fundamental factors must be considered in formulating a sound foreign policy.

“The first is our neighbors; regardless of preference, they remain where they are. The second is our history; no matter the attempt to alter it, history remains constant. Attempting to change these two realities leads to a misguided path,” Shahid said.

Shahid, who has held several senior diplomatic positions, criticized the current administration for beginning its term by creating tensions with the international community, suggesting that provoking allied nations was central to its approach.

He alleged, for instance, that the government had attempted to pit China and India against each other.

Shahid also recalled that senior officials in the current administration had worn “India Out” T-shirts and mocked Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi while in opposition. Despite this, he noted, the government sought financial assistance from India after taking office.

Shahid said other countries had been watching how the Maldives treated India and argued that the inconsistency had undermined international trust. He attributed the country’s declining global standing to frequent policy shifts driven by short-term political interests.

He further observed that although President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has travelled abroad extensively, these visits had produced no tangible results. He also pointed out that despite organising several investment forums, the government had failed to attract foreign investors.

“Apart from India, what assistance has been secured from any other foreign country? It is still India that continues to provide aid,” Shahid said.

Asked why other countries were not providing assistance, Shahid argued that the Maldives lacked international credibility and had lost the respect of the international community. He stressed that the country had damaged its reputation as a partner that respects its close allies.

Shahid’s criticism of the administration’s foreign policy comes amid a history of strained relations with India during the early part of the government’s term.

Tensions escalated after senior government officials made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, prompting calls for a boycott from influential figures in India, including prominent film stars.

Relations have since improved, with President Muizzu visiting India twice and Prime Minister Modi travelling to the Maldives last year as the guest of honour at the country’s Independence Day celebrations.