MUMBAI: In a recent development, Qasim Ibrahim, leader of the Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), has called upon Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu to issue a formal apology to the Indian government and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Voice of Maldives, a prominent Maldivian digital news outlet, reported on the statements made by Ibrahim regarding the strained relations between the two nations.
Ibrahim emphasized the importance of maintaining diplomatic decorum, especially with neighboring countries, to preserve amicable relationships. He highlighted President Solih's earlier Presidential Decree, which banned the 'India Out' campaign, citing it as a responsible step to safeguard national interests. Ibrahim questioned Muizzu's alignment with the campaign during the tenure of former President Yameen, urging him not to nullify the decree.
"The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologize to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip," Ibrahim stated.
The 'India Out' campaign, spearheaded by former President Abdulla Yameen and the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM), propagated unproven claims of Indian military officers violating Maldives’ sovereignty. President Solih, last year, deemed the campaign a 'threat to national security,' empowering security agencies to take down campaign materials and providing constitutional cover for actions against opposition parties.
The recent diplomatic developments include a bilateral agreement between India and the Maldives on January 14, fast-tracking the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the island nation, a key campaign promise of President Muizzu's party during the elections.
On the second day of assuming office, President Muizzu officially requested the Indian government to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives. However, a diplomatic row ensued as a Maldivian deputy minister and other officials made disparaging remarks about Prime Minister Modi's visit to Lakshadweep and his call to develop the Indian archipelago as a global beach tourism retreat. The Maldives government distanced itself from these remarks.
The situation reflects the complex dynamics between the Maldives and India, with calls for diplomatic gestures to mend relations and uphold regional stability.