A recent Washington Post article claims that there was an India-backed plot to impeach Maldives President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. The Muizzu government has not responded much to these allegations.
The report suggests that Indian intelligence agents collaborated with the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) to overthrow President Muizzu. It references documents and interviews from both Indian and Maldivian sources that outline these supposed activities, including plans for bribing parliament members and military officials.
Though the Indian government reportedly did not go through with financing this alleged attempt to remove Muizzu, the situation highlights the ongoing struggle for influence between India and China in the region.
In reaction to the claims, former President Mohamed Nasheed tweeted that India will always support Maldivian democracy and doesn’t meddle in the country’s politics. He expressed that he was not aware of any serious efforts against President Muizzu, suggesting some people always suspect conspiracies.
Both the Indian and Maldivian foreign ministries have dismissed the allegations. The Indian government criticized the credibility of the Washington Post and its journalist, claiming there’s a consistent bias against India in their reporting.
The responses from both governments indicate a desire to strengthen their ongoing relationship and move beyond recent tensions. Shortly after the report, the Maldivian foreign and defense ministers visited India.
During his visit, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Khaleel called the Post’s article an attempt to undermine ties with India. He firmly rejected the accusations, describing them as baseless. His remarks reinforce the Maldives’ intention to foster a strong partnership with India.
Following Khaleel, the Maldivian Defense Minister also visited India to discuss how to boost defense cooperation between the two nations.
Back home, the Post’s allegations received widespread media coverage. While the MDP did not comment on their supposed connection with India, some outlets highlighted instances of alleged bribes to MPs who switched allegiance to Muizzu’s party. Supporters of the government framed the article as proof of the earlier MDP administration’s excessive ties to India.
Khaleel’s comments have sparked disagreements within the Muizzu administration, especially from the former president Abdulla Yameen, who criticized the current government’s attempts to distance itself from past anti-India sentiments. Yameen emphasized his concerns about Indian military presence and interference during his time in office.
Some members of the current government also defended the previous “India Out” movement, claiming it was a response to India’s growing influence. They believe that true independence means treating India as an equal partner while safeguarding Maldivian sovereignty.
In short, the situation reflects deep political divisions within the Maldives concerning relations with India. The current administration strives to balance its sovereignty with the practical need for cooperation with its nearest neighbor.
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Diplomacy,South Asia,India,Maldives,India Maldives,India-Maldives relations,India-Muizzu,Mohamed Muizzu,RAW plot Maldives,Washington Post Maldives
