Muizzu could stir up anti-India campaign again, says former minister
Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid alleged President Mohamed Muizzu may revive the India Out narrative to address performance issues.
Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdullah Shahid has accused President Mohamed Muizzu of potentially reviving the 2023 India Out campaign. Speaking to The Hindu, Shahid alleged that Muizzu may use India as an issue because he has been unable to deliver on development promises or provide results.
Shahid, who is seeking the leadership of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), called for transparency regarding 20 agreements signed during Muizzu's recent three-day visit to Islamabad from October 20 to 22. The visit included talks with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir.
The agreements between the Maldives and Pakistan cover areas such as defence, maritime security, cybersecurity, and AI, alongside a plan to start direct flights between Male and Islamabad. Shahid stated that the Maldives should expand relationships with those who have goodwill but not at the cost of established friends.
The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Indian government is keeping a close watch on such developments and will take appropriate steps. Regarding the call to revive SAARC, Jaiswal noted that India is keen on regional cooperation but indicated one country had stalled the organisation's functioning.
The Maldives government spokesperson did not provide a comment regarding the allegations made by Shahid. Shahid previously served as Foreign Minister under President Ibrahim Solih between 2018 and 2023.