MDP president slams Maldives administration’s ‘naivety and inexperience’ in diplomacy

Abdulla Shahid, the president of the main opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), has slammed the incumbent Maldivian administration for what he called its naivety and inexperience in diplomacy, adding that the administration is now coming to the realization that international relations cannot be conducted based on lies and deceit.

The remarks by Shahid, the Maldives’ top diplomat during the MDP administration, comes as President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu conducts a five-day state visit to India.

President Muizzu’s People’s National Congress (PNC) had run its 2023 presidential elections campaign on an ‘India Out’ platform, alleging that the MDP administration had signed secretive agreements with India that threatened Maldives’ security and sovereignty.

Relations between Male’ and New Delhi had been strained in the early days of President Muizzu’s presidency after he demanded that India withdraw its troops from Maldives – executing a pledge he made during his presidential campaign. Things escalated further after three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging remarks regarding India and Indian Prime Minister Modi following a social media post promoting India’s Lakshadweep as an alterative tourist destination to the Maldives.

The Maldives Foreign Ministry was quick to distance itself from the remarks, saying that they do not represent the views of the Male’ government. The three junior ministers were suspended, and two of them – Mariyam Shiuna and Malsha Shareef resigned last month ahead of the current state visit.

But despite the earlier turmoil, officials from both Male’ and Delhi repeatedly expressed keenness to maintaining relations and engaged in several high-level visits between the two countries.

In a post on X on early Tuesday, Shahid said he is happy to see the age-old ties between the Maldives and India being revived. He thanked New Delhi for remaining steadfast and resolute with the Maldivian people.

He also slammed President Muizzu’s administration for what he called its nativity and inexperience in diplomacy.

“What we are seeing is the current administration coming to the realization that international relations cannot be conducted based on lies and deceit. What we are seeing is the Administration's naivety and inexperience in diplomacy,” he said.

Shahid added that he is encouraged that the projects and initiatives launched during former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih’s administration has come to fruition and are being continued.

On Monday, President Muizzu and PM Modi jointly oversaw the launch of India’s RuPay card in the Maldives, the inauguration of the new runway at the Hanimaadhoo Airport, and the renewal of cooperation agreements with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC), the Judicial Service Commission (JSC), and on sports and youth empowerment.

The two leaders also discussed opening an Indian consulate in the southern Maldivian city of Addu and cooperating on the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) project – both of which had been vehemently opposed by the PNC in the past.

“It is also heartening that the Consulate of India to be opened in Addu City has received positive consideration by the Government - despite their supposed objections while in opposition,” said Shahid. “The same with the UTF project, which the Government has now agreed contribute significantly towards enhancing MNDF's operational capabilities - again, contrary to their position while in opposition.”

Shahid expressed hopes the current trajectory in Maldives-India relations continue.

“Hoping that this current trajectory in the relationship with our closest neighbor, friend, and partner, continue,” he said.

President Muizzu embarked on his five-day state visit to New Delhi with a 50-member delegation on Sunday, at the invitation of Indian President Droupadi Murmu. During the trip, he met with President Murmu, PM Modi and other top Indian government officials, headed bilateral talks, oversaw the exchange of a USD 400 million currency swap agreement, and also attended an India-Maldives Business Forum.

He also invited PM Modi to make a state visit to the Maldives next year, which will mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of formal diplomatic relations between Male’ and Delhi. The Indian External Affairs Ministry has confirmed that PM Modi accepted the invitation, but did not provide a specific date.

President Muizzu is set to conclude the visit and return to Male’ on Thursday.