During his visit to Male on Saturday, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President Abdulla Shahid met with External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar. Shahid expressed confidence that India will continue to be a primary ally for the Maldives in times of need. He also noted the economic and diplomatic challenges resulting from the previous government’s anti-India stance and welcomed the current shift towards strengthening relations.
In a post on X, Shahid stated that the Maldives government’s “Anti-India” stance resulted in economic setbacks and a reduction in the country’s international standing.
“Great pleasure to warmly welcome and meet Indian External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar to the Maldives with my colleagues from @MDPSecretariat. The Maldives has always been confident that India will always be the first responder any time the Maldives “dials an international 911,” he wrote in his post.
“The current government’s initial stoking of anti-India sentiments through aggressive slogans, mockery and the branding of a time-tested friend and development partner as a regional bully, has caused a decline in the Maldives’ international standing, economic loss, and many other unnecessary difficulties, and challenges,” Shahid wrote further.
“With this in mind, the MDP welcomes the sudden recalibration of the Maldives-India policy of President Muizzu’s government, from its previous India Out policy. The MDP hopes that this shift will not be temporary or superficial, but consistent and meaningful in the best interests of the people of the Maldives. Further, the MDP calls on the Government of President Muizzu to issue a public apology for the actions, lies and irresponsible comments from its officials which have resulted in significant damage to the Maldives foreign and economic outlook,” he added.
The MDP also released a statement highlighting several projects funded by India.
“The Maldives-India relationship has always been based on the principles of mutual respect, respect for international law, territorial integrity, a common desire for regional security, and an open and peaceful Indian Ocean,” it said.
MDP welcomed Jaishankar’s visit to Addu City, where he handed over the projects funded by India to the Maldives.
“The MDP notes with appreciation that during this visit, Minister Jaishankar will hand over the reclamation and shore protection project and the inauguration of 4-Lane Detour Link Road comprising of 1.463 kms which connects Maradhoo to Hithadhoo around the Hankede Island. The construction of the road is a crucial aspect of the Hankede Integrated Tourism Project, and is vital to the successful economic development of the South. It is also a major component of the “Design and Build of Consturction of Roads and Drainage System in Addu City Project”, and also marks the completion of the shore protection project. Both projects are funded through the EXIM Bank line of credit facility from Government of India, and were conceptualized, signed and initialized by the administration of President Solih,” the MDP said in its post.
MDP also praised the exchange of notes during this visit, which will train an additional 1,000 civil service officers as part of a key human resource program launched under President Solih’s administration. Additionally, the MDP welcomed the signing of an MoU between the Ministry of Economic Development and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enhance and expand digital and integrated payment systems, another agreement discussed and finalised during President Solih’s tenure.
“MDP welcomes with gratitude to India, the inauguration and handover of six High Impact Community Development Projects, implemented with grant assistance from the Government of India, and signed and implemented during President Solih’s administration. The High Impact Community Development Project scheme is a highly successful and beneficial grant assistance scheme initialised in 2019,” it said.
MDP also welcomed the transfer of water and sewerage projects across 28 islands, funded by the EXIM Bank of India. These projects were part of the USD 800 million Line of Credit provided by the Government of India during President Solih’s first state visit to India in December 2018 and were inaugurated during his administration. MDP noted the significant assistance India has provided to the Maldives over the past five years.
“During the past five years, India has assisted the Maldives in a variety of areas, including the funding of the largest infrastructure project in the country the Greater Male Connectivity Project. Other large-scale projects include the National College of Policing and Law Enforcement (NCPLE) in Addu City, the Coast Guard Building in Male, the development of Maldives National Defence Force Harbour and dockyard in Uthuru Thila Falhu, the Addu Roads and Sewerage Development Project, the Development of Water and Sewerage projects in 36 Islands, the Koodoo and Felivaru Fisheries Expansion Project, Hanimaadhoo International Airport, IGMH Hospital. The Government of India has also extended grant assistance through the High Impact Community Development Projects scheme, for 47 projects in over 60 islands across the Maldives, amounting to over 250 million Rufiyaa. India also provided extensive support to the Maldives to tackle and overcome the COVID-19 pandemic, including through vaccines, medical consumables, financial assistance, and humanitarian assistance,” the MDP added in its statement.
Jaishankar was joined by Parliamentary Group Leader Ibrahim Nazil, Vice President Hisaan Hussein, Youth Wing President Rifqa Shiham, Foreign Relations Committee Members Aminath Shauna and Hussein Shaheem, and Secretary General Shaazly Shafeeq.
Earlier in the day, EAM S. Jaishankar presented a significant water and sanitation project valued at USD 110 million to the Maldives, financed by India. Covering 28 islands, the project was virtually inaugurated by Jaishankar, who is in Male for a three-day official visit from August 9-11.