NEW DELHI: While Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu was in India, committing to expanding “close and historic” ties, a parliamentary committee back home announced a review of three agreements, which Muizzu’s predecessor and pro-India leader Ibrahim Solih had signed with India, because these allegedly violated the sovereignty of the Maldives.
These include an agreement for hydrographic surveys, another for building the Uthuru Thilafalhu dockyard being built with grant assistance from India and yet another for the Dornier aircraft gifted by India to Maldives defence forces for humanitarian, search and rescue operations.
“Today, the National Security Services Committee of the parliament has decided to conduct a parliamentary inquiry to investigate actions undertaken by President Solih’s administration that undermined the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives,” said central Hithadhoo constituency’s MP Ahmed Azaan, according to reports in Maldivian media. He proposed to commence a parliamentary inquiry alleging that the previous govt’s actions affected the country’s independence and sovereignty.
Muizzu’s govt had last year announced it was not going to renew the agreement with Indian Navy for joint hydrographic surveys in Maldivian waters. He participated in Modi’s swearing-in on Sunday and met President Murmu on Monday in which he expressed gratitude for India’s continuous assistance to the Maldives.
“He conveyed that he looks forward to further strengthening existing relations,” said his office.
Controversy had started when three brash deputy ministers used offensive language against PM Modi’s posts on a social media platform about his trip to Lakshadweep, celebrating the natural beauty of the islands and its potential attractions for the Indian tourist. As two former presidents — Ibrahim Solih and Mohamed Nasheed — strongly condemned the ministers’ remarks.