As the dramatic improvement in India-Maldives ties in recent months culminated in President Mohamed Muizzu’s first state visit to India that started Sunday, the president told TOI in an exclusive interview that the Maldives would never do anything that undermines the security of India.
Before his meeting with PM Narendra Modi on Monday, and amid concerns here over the strategically located neighbour’s growing ties with China, Muizzu said that while Male continues to enhance cooperation with other countries in various sectors, it remains committed to ensuring that its actions do not compromise the security and stability of the region.
Muizzu said India is a valued partner and friend of the Maldives, and the relationship is built on mutual respect and shared interests. He also said the Maldives will continue to pursue strong and strategic ties with India and work jointly to ensure regional stability.
While following a Maldives First policy, the president added, his country will continue to prioritise its longstanding and trusted relationship with India. “We are confident that our engagements with other nations will not undermine India’s security interests,” said the president, adding Maldives will continue to pursue strong and strategic relations with India.
Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other’s concerns and defence cooperation between them will always be a priority, said the president. He justified the expulsion of Indian troops though saying it reflected the will of the local people.
Muizzu said recent developments reflect a positive trajectory in bilateral relations and it will be clear by the end of his maiden state visit that Male is committed to fostering a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership.
Excerpts:
This is your first official bilateral visit to India since you assumed office last year in November. After being on a roller coaster for the past 10 months, the relationship seems to have stabilised and things are looking up. What would you attribute this turnaround to?
This is my first State Visit to India, and I am very happy to be making it, in my first year in office. I thank President of India, Her Excellency Droupadi Murmu and the Government for the kind invitation. As you know, I have already undertaken a visit to India, for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister His Excellency Narendra Modi in June this year. I have also had the pleasure, soon after my inauguration in November, to meet the Prime Minister on the sidelines of COP28. You can agree, that’s far from being a roller coaster ride. This historic relationship is intertwined like the roots of a tree, built on centuries of exchanges and values shared. We have been working on preparing for this visit for a while and have come to mutual understanding and a convenient time. The relations between the Maldives and India have always been strong, and I am confident this visit will further strengthen it.
What are the big takeaways you are looking at from this visit? Apart from the continued developmental support, is there any specific assistance you are expecting from India to tide over the current financial situation?
As this is my first State Visit to India, I hope this demonstrates the commitment that both Governments have towards enhancing the relationship, and work towards a shared vision for development. India continues to be one of our largest trade and development partners. And I am confident that this will be a very successful trip. I am sure you will find those out soon enough, as the visit is just around the corner.
With the expulsion of Indian military personnel, you managed to have your way on a sensitive issue, fulfilling also one of your campaign promises. Are you looking to set limits on defence cooperation with India, given that some other agreements signed during your predecessor’s term are also said to be under review? What sort of role do you see India playing in boosting your defence capabilities and in ensuring peace, security and stability in this part of the Indo-Pacific?
As I said just now, India is one of our biggest development partners, and defence cooperation will always be a priority. In these globally challenging times, with regional wars threatening the security of all countries, it is vital to foster these collaborations, especially the security of Indian Ocean Region. And I can confidently say, Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns. What I did is what the people of Maldives asked from me. The recent changes reflect our efforts to address domestic priorities. Our review of past agreements is aimed at ensuring they align with our national interests and contribute positively to regional stability. As the world’s largest democracy, I believe that the people and Government of India, understand it.
During EAM Jaishankar’s visit, several new projects and initiatives were announced which, as you said, will boost local economy and contribute to the Maldives’ prosperity. You have acknowledged the restructuring of line of credit arrangement too. Are you satisfied with the progress in executing some of the big-ticket projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project?
We are very happy with our relations with India, and it will only grow from strength to strength, especially following this visit. Greater Male’ connectivity project is one major project between our countries. We are pleased with the progress made on several key projects and initiatives announced during External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit. These projects are vital for boosting our local economy and contributing to the Maldives’ prosperity. The line of credit arrangement has been a positive step, facilitating smoother execution of these projects. While there is always room for improvement, we are confident that with continued collaboration and support, significant advancements will be achieved, particularly with major projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project.
China continues to be the elephant in the room as far as India’s ties with Maldives are concerned. You are looking to expand your defence cooperation with China, while also boosting trade and investment ties. As you work with the Chinese, can India be sure that the Maldives won’t do anything that might undermine India’s security interests?
Maldives would never do anything that undermines the security of India. India is a valued partner and friend of the Maldives, and our relationship is built on mutual respect and shared interests. While we enhance our cooperation with other countries in various sectors, we remain committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region. The Maldives will continue to prioritize its longstanding and trusted relationship with India, and we are confident that our engagements with other nations will not undermine India’s security interests.
The Maldives will soon be implementing the FTA signed with China in 2017. What do you make of concerns that it might undermine Maldives’ economic sovereignty, given the considerable trade imbalance?
The Maldives values its economic partnerships and is committed to fostering growth and development through diverse international collaborations. We are mindful of maintaining our economic sovereignty and ensuring that our trade policies benefit the Maldivian people. We will continue to engage in transparent and balanced trade practices to address any concerns and uphold the economic interests of our nation.
Not long ago, many people saw you also as one of the architects of the India Out campaign. Going by recent developments in the relationship, and the prevailing air of positivity, would you say we are seeing the return of what used to be known as Maldives’ India First policy? Or you think it’s important for the Maldives to reduce its dependence on India, despite the geographical proximity?
The Maldives values its relationship with India and acknowledges the importance of our geographical proximity and historical ties. Recent developments reflect a positive trajectory in our bilateral relations, and we are committed to fostering a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership. I believe at the end of this trip it will be clear to all. While it is essential for the Maldives to diversify its international relations and reduce over-dependence on any single country, we remain dedicated to maintaining a strong and strategic partnership with India, ensuring that our policies serve the best interests of our nation and contribute to regional stability. In my inaugural speech in November 2017, I made it very clear. My policy is ‘Maldives First’ policy. For me, Maldives will always come first. But respect for our neighbors and friends is embedded in our DNA. Indians have always been welcome in the Maldives, Indians continue to prosper in the Maldives, and be safe and happy. Indians’ make a positive contribution to the Maldivian society. Indian tourists are welcome in the Maldives. And we look forward to enhancing this important characteristic of our partnership – people to people connections.
