Opposition Parties Warn Maldives President Muizzu Against Anti-India Stance

New Delhi: Two days after the administration allowed a Chinese spy ship to dock in a port in Male, the two main opposition parties of the Maldives warned the President Mohamed Muizzu-led government that its anti-India stance will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the island country.

The words of caution were given out by the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats amid strained diplomatic ties between New Delhi and Male and Muizzu-led government’s bonhomie with China.

A Chinese survey and research vessel is on its destination to the Maldives. The Xiang Yang Hong 03 was denied by Sri Lanka to dock at one of its ports. Earlier this week, the Maldives government said a Chinese ship, equipped to carry research and surveys, will be docking at a Maldivian port after being permitted by the Male government. In a statement, the Maldives government said, China made a “diplomatic request” for “rotation of personnel and replenishment”.

Maldives also said the island nation “has always been a welcoming destination for vessels of friendly countries”. The Chinese research and surveillance vessel is expected to dock in Male on 8 February. It was spotted in the Java Sea off the coast of Jakarta in Indonesia on January 22.

The permission to allow the Chinese ship comes amid strained ties between India and Maldives after Muizzu made Beijing as his first port of call early this month soon after assuming office. Traditionally, New Delhi has been the first port of call for a Maldivian President.

The two main opposition parties of the archipelagic nation called India the most long-standing ally and expressed concern about the government’s anti-India stance.

“Both, the MDP and The Democrats believe alienating any development partner, and especially the country’s most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country,” the two opposition parties said in their assessment on the direction in foreign policy of the Maldivian government.

The two opposition parties of the Maldives further said the consecutive governments of the island nation must be able to work with all development partners for the benefit of the people of the Maldives, as traditionally done.

“Stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives,” said the members of the two opposition parties who together hold 55 seats in the 87-member house.

Meanwhile, the Maldives has set a March 5 deadline for India to withdraw its troops. The announcement of deadline was made after Muizzu’s first state visit to China.