Under the shadow of economic challenges, Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu is advised to set aside his stubborn ways and engage in dialogue with neighboring India. This suggestion did not come from an Indian statesman, but rather directly from former Maldivian President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Solih’s comment comes at a pivotal time as President Muizzu is widely regarded as pro-China in international views. Solih has also appealed to India to grant Maldives some leniency in repaying its debts.
Solih mentioned, 'I have seen media reports suggesting President Muizzu desires to discuss debt restructuring with India.' Notably, in the presidential elections of September 2023, the 45-year-old Muizzu defeated the 62-year-old Solih.
India not to blame for economic challenges
In conversations with the Maldivian media, Solih asserted that India's loans are not the cause of the economic hardships faced by Maldives. The nation owes China a whopping 18 billion Maldivian Rufiyaa whereas owes only 8 billion to India. For the latter, Maldives has a 25-year window for repayment. However, I believe that our neighbor will come to our aid. But this requires us to renounce our stubbornness and commence negotiations. There are certainly parties that are capable of assisting us, but Muizzu appears unwilling to compromise.
26 Indian soldiers have left Maldives
The former president expressed concern that the current government is deceiving the public and restarting projects initiated under the MDP administration. Ministers are now lying to cover up that falsehood, Solih claimed. He has called for the complete withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel deployed on three aviation platforms used for humanitarian and medical evacuations by May 10th. The first batch of 26 Indian soldiers has already left the island nation, with civilians taking their place. In his first media interview, Muizzu claimed not to have taken any steps or made any statements that would strain the relationship between the two nations.
