Maldives President Muizzu Asserts Independence Amid Diplomatic Tensions With India

Returning to the Maldives after a five-day state visit to China, President Mohamed Muizzu took a defiant stance, emphasising that his country, though small, does not accept being bullied. The comments from the pro-China leader came amidst a diplomatic row with India over derogatory social media posts by three Maldivian ministers targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

President Muizzu, who assumed office in November last year, refrained from explicitly naming any country but stated, "We may be small, but this doesn't give them the licence to bully us." He highlighted the vast exclusive economic zone of 900,000 square km that Maldives possesses, asserting the country's significance in the region.

"This ocean does not belong to a specific country. This (Indian) Ocean also belongs to all countries situated in it," he remarked, in an apparent reference to India. Muizzu reiterated that Maldives is an independent and sovereign state, not confined to anyone's backyard.

During his visit to China, President Muizzu held talks with President Xi Jinping, resulting in the signing of 20 agreements. A joint statement emphasised mutual support for each other's core interests, with China expressing firm support for Maldives' sovereignty and opposing external interference.

On his return, Muizzu disclosed that China has granted USD 130 million in assistance, with a significant portion allocated for the redevelopment of roads in the capital city, Male. This aid comes as Maldives faces a mayoral election, where the former Mayor, Muizzu, transitioned to the Presidency last November.

China's Ambassador to Maldives, Wang Lixin, outlined the key factors contributing to the strong bilateral relations, including mutual political trust and alignment with President Xi's initiatives. She emphasised extensive consultation, joint construction, and shared benefits as guiding principles for future cooperation.

Muizzu's visit to China faced challenges, including the diplomatic row with India over derogatory remarks by his ministers and a report by the EU Election Observation Mission accusing the ruling coalition of deploying anti-India sentiments during the 2023 presidential elections.

Despite the controversies, the visit resulted in significant agreements, including a USD 50 million deal for an integrated tourism zone, 30,000 social housing units, and grant assistance for a 100-bed tertiary hospital in Vilimale'. An aviation agreement was also signed, allowing Maldives' national airline to conduct domestic flight operations in China.