A local media source was cited by ANI to suggest that Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu’s formal apology to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his “remarks after the China trip” was made by Qasim Ibrahim, the leader of the Jumhooree Party in the Maldives.
Voice of Maldives, a Maldivian radio station, reports that Ibrahim issued a warning against saying anything that may damage relations, especially with neighbors.
“Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn’t speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the “India Out” campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree,” he averred as quoted in media reports.
The politician added, “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 apologise to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip.”
Ibrahim Solih, the former president of the Maldives, issued an order last year declaring that the opposition’s “India Out” campaign poses a “threat to national security.” The proclamation gave security services constitutional justification to suppress opposition and permitted them to remove campaign banners.
Muizzu demanded that India withdraw its troops from the island nation within 24 hours of his inauguration, which sparked the diplomatic spat between India and the Maldives.
Concerns were also aroused by Muizzu’s choice to travel to Turkey following his inauguration, defying the custom of making New Delhi the first foreign destination in recognition of India’s importance in the island nation.
Three Maldivian politicians’ crass remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media after he uploaded some photos from his trip to Lakshadweep caused the atmosphere to worsen.
Earlier this week, the Maldives granted permission for a Chinese research vessel to land at Male port, despite India’s concerns on the Chinese navy’s increasing presence in the Indian Ocean.
