The Maldives government’s recent shift in its diplomatic stance, which has been perceived as “anti-India,” has raised concerns from the two primary opposition parties in the country. This apprehension comes just two days after the government announced its decision to allow a Chinese ship to dock at a Maldivian port, further complicating the geopolitical landscape in the Indian Ocean Region.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats are expressing caution about the potential consequences of this change in direction. At a time when the relationship between the Maldives and India is already strained, the island nation’s growing affinity towards China could signify a notable geopolitical and military shift in the region.
President Mohamed Muizzu, who emerged victorious in the 2023 elections, built his campaign around an anti-India narrative—a departure from the pro-India policies of his predecessors. This marked shift in rhetoric has now prompted the opposition parties to voice their concerns about the long-term impact on the country’s development.
Both the MDP and the Democrats emphasize the importance of maintaining positive relationships with development partners, particularly highlighting India as the “most long-standing ally” of the Maldives. They argue that alienating any development partner, especially a historically significant one, could have severe repercussions for the nation’s overall development.
In their joint statement, the opposition parties stress the need for the Maldivian government to reassess its foreign policy direction. They urge a return to the country’s traditional approach of working collaboratively with all development partners, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and inclusive foreign policy that aligns with the Maldives’ historical practices. The opposition’s assessment underscores the belief that such a cooperative approach is essential for the sustained and holistic development of the Maldives in the long run.
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