The Maldives is set to hold Parliamentary elections on April 21st and the polls have shaped up to be a crucial referendum on President Mohammad Muizzu tenure. Muizzu assumed charge in November last year and he and his policies are both facing a litmus test. Watch in for more details!

Maldives Elections 2024: Lawmakers to be elected for 93-member strong people's Majlis

Documents leaked on social media have linked Maldives President Muizzu to corruption. Muizzu is now facing allegations of bribery, embezzlement and using corporate entities to conceal the origin of funds.

Gravitas | Is Maldives president Muizzu corrupt? Leaked documents create trouble

Ahead of the Maldives' parliamentary elections, opposition parties have urged an investigation and impeachment of President Mohamed Muizzu following a leaked report of his alleged corruption from 2018, which he denied. Watch to know more.

Maldives: President Muizzu  accused of corruption, opposition calls for probe

Ahead of the Maldives' parliamentary elections, opposition parties have urged an investigation and impeachment of President Mohamed Muizzu following a leaked report of his alleged corruption from 2018, which he denied. Watch to know more details!

Maldives president Muizzu faces allegations of corruption

Maldives President Muizzu allegedly involved in corruption, claims leaked report

<p>The pro-China president of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, said Saturday (Apr 13) the second batch of Indian military personnel has left the island nation. The unit reportedly operated a helicopter gifted by New Delhi to the Maldives. Muizzu declared the exit of the Indian troops in a political rally for his People's National Congress party ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21. "The first team has already gone. Now, on April 9, the soldiers on the second platform have also been withdrawn," Muizzu said, according to PTI, which cited the local media.</p>

<p>Muizzu further declared that foreign powers and envoys wielded no power over Male now and the control of the government was solely in the hands of the citizens of the country.</p>

<p>Earlier, Muizzu had promised in his election campaign that all Indian troops would exit Maldives by May 10. He had also declared that the Indian troops responsible for manning the aviation platforms would leave the nation within April.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiG8q_l1sGFAxWNk68BHQC3D2AQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-plans-road-shows-in-india-to-attract-tourists-back-710299" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maldives-plans-road-shows-in-india-to-attract-tourists-back-710299&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiG8q_l1sGFAxWNk68BHQC3D2AQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Maldives plans road shows in India to attract tourists back</a></strong></p>

<p>The move comes weeks after India replaced its troops for the aviation platforms with a technical team in March. About 80 Indian troops were responsible for operating and maintaining two helicopters and an aircraft. These were gifted to Maldives by India, mainly to be used for humanitarian assistance operations and medical evacuations.</p>

<p>It was not immediately clear that how many Indian troops left the Maldives in the second batch.</p>

<h2><strong>Maldives engages China for redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport</strong></h2>

<p>In another controversial decision of the Muizzu administration, Maldives has reportedly engaged China for the ambitious redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport into an international hub.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian PM Modi extends wishes to Maldives President Muizzu on Eid</strong></p>

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<p>However, red flags have been raised as the Chinese company chosen for the redevelopment, CAMC Engineering, has been sanctioned by the Asian Development Bank.</p>

<p>CAMC Engineering is a subsidiary of the state-owned Chinese conglomerate Sinomach. The regional development bank had imposed sanctions on the firm for engaging in “fraudulent, corrupt, coercive, collusive, obstructive practices, or other integrity violations”, as per its guidelines.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The pro-China president of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, said Saturday (Apr 13) the second batch of Indian military personnel has left the island nation. The unit reportedly operated a helicopter gifted by New Delhi to the Maldives.

The pro-China president of Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, said Saturday (Apr 13) the second batch of Indian military personnel has left the island nation. The unit reportedly operated a helicopter gifted by New Delhi to the Maldives. Muizzu declared the exit of the Indian troops in a political rally for his People's National Congress party ahead of the parliamentary elections scheduled for April 21. "The first team has already gone. Now, on April 9, the soldiers on the second platform have also been withdrawn," Muizzu said, according to PTI, which cited the local media. Muizzu further declared that foreign powers and envoys wielded no power over Male now and the control of the government was solely in the hands of the citizens of the country. Earlier, Muizzu had promised in his election campaign that all Indian troops would exit Maldives by May 10. He had also declared that the Indian troops responsible for manning the aviation platforms would leave the nation within April. Also read: Maldives plans road shows in India to attract tourists back The move comes weeks after India replaced its troops for the aviation platforms with a technical team in March. About 80 Indian troops were responsible for operating and maintaining two helicopters and an aircraft. These were gifted to Maldives by India, mainly to be used for humanitarian assistance operations and medical evacuations. It was not immediately clear that how many Indian troops left the Maldives in the second batch. Maldives engages China for redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport In another controversial decision of the Muizzu administration, Maldives has reportedly engaged China for the ambitious redevelopment of Kadhdhoo Airport into an international hub. Watch: Indian PM Modi extends wishes to Maldives President Muizzu on Eid × However, red flags have been raised as the Chinese company chosen for the redevelopment, CAMC Engineering, has been sanctioned by the Asian Development Bank. CAMC Engineering is a subsidiary of the state-owned Chinese conglomerate Sinomach. The regional development bank had imposed sanctions on the firm for engaging in “fraudulent, corrupt, coercive, collusive, obstructive practices, or other integrity violations”, as per its guidelines. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives President Muizzu announces departure of second batch of Indian troops

A major tourism body in Maldives is planning to conduct road shows across several key Indian cities. It wants to explore ways to boost travel and tourism cooperation with India. Despite his anti-india stance, President Muizzu is forced to beg for help.

Gravitas: Maldives' Muizzu begs for tourists from India

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday extended his greetings to Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, the government and the people of the archipelago nation on the occasion of the Muslim festival of Eid-al-Fitr.

Indian PM Modi extends wishes to Maldives President Muizzu on Eid

President Muhammad Muizzu has again turned his guns on India Muizzu now says that his predecessor Ibrahim Muhammad Solih operated on orders from a foreign Diplomat. Muizzu further said that the main opposition party the Maldivian Democratic Party which was in power from 2018 to 2023 failed to protect Male's Independence.

Maldives opposition parties criticize Muizzu's 'anti-India' pivot

After weeks of anti-India rhetoric, Maldives' President Mohammad Muizzu has shifted to a distinctly reconciliatory tone for New Delhi. The reasons are not difficult to find as the Maldives owes India some $49 million and Male seeks debt relief from New Delhi.

Maldives President Muizzu seeks debt relief from India amid tensions

Maldives President Muizzu pleads for debt relief from India

<p>India has replaced its first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday (March 15).</p>

<p>"The turnaround of the first team of personnel who were operating the ALH helicopter has been completed. So, the first batch that had to be replaced has been completed. The turnaround has happened," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly briefing.</p>

<p>President Muizzu, who is largely perceived as a pro-China leader, set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military troops from Maldives.</p>

<p>His government had formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male.</p>

<p>Earlier, the external affairs ministry had informed that both India and the Maldives had mutually agreed on setting up workable solutions in order to enable the ongoing operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide medical as well as humanitarian evacuation services to the people of the Maldives.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-concerned-us-criticises-indias-caa-that-offers-citizenship-to-persecuted-minorities-700312">'Misplaced, misinformed, &amp; unwarranted,' India rejects USA's criticism of CAA</a></p>

<p>India had confirmed late in February that its first civilian team of technical experts had reached the Maldives.</p>

<p>"The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29.</p>

<p>Both countries have held two high-level core group meetings on the issue, with the third one expected to take place soon.</p>

<p>Muizzu, who came to power in September 2023, had implemented the phased evacuation and it was his election promise that the Indian troops would be removed from the island nation. &nbsp;</p>

<p>At present, there are approximately 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft as well as two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives.</p>

<p>The Indian security personnel were deployed in the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime border. India has stated that military troops are stationed in the Maldives to maintain and operate two rescue and reconnaissance helicopters, as well as a small aircraft that it provided years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Muizzu had recently reiterated that "no Indian military personnel" will remain in the country after May 10, "be it in uniform or civilian clothing," Maldives-based The Edition reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India has replaced its first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday (March 15). "The turnaround of the first team of personnel who were operating the ALH helicopter has been completed.

India has replaced its first batch of military soldiers in Maldives with technical personnel, the Ministry of External Affairs said on Friday (March 15). "The turnaround of the first team of personnel who were operating the ALH helicopter has been completed. So, the first batch that had to be replaced has been completed. The turnaround has happened," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a weekly briefing. President Muizzu, who is largely perceived as a pro-China leader, set March 10 as the deadline for the withdrawal of the first group of Indian military troops from Maldives. His government had formally requested that India withdraw its troops from Male. Earlier, the external affairs ministry had informed that both India and the Maldives had mutually agreed on setting up workable solutions in order to enable the ongoing operation of Indian aviation platforms that provide medical as well as humanitarian evacuation services to the people of the Maldives. Also read: 'Misplaced, misinformed, & unwarranted,' India rejects USA's criticism of CAA India had confirmed late in February that its first civilian team of technical experts had reached the Maldives. "The first team of technical personnel to operate the advanced light helicopter has reached the Maldives. It will replace the existing personnel who were operating this platform," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had said in New Delhi at his weekly media briefing on February 29. Both countries have held two high-level core group meetings on the issue, with the third one expected to take place soon. Muizzu, who came to power in September 2023, had implemented the phased evacuation and it was his election promise that the Indian troops would be removed from the island nation. At present, there are approximately 70 Indian troops, along with Dornier 228 maritime patrol aircraft as well as two HAL Dhruv helicopters, stationed in the Maldives. The Indian security personnel were deployed in the Maldives to patrol its vast maritime border. India has stated that military troops are stationed in the Maldives to maintain and operate two rescue and reconnaissance helicopters, as well as a small aircraft that it provided years ago. Muizzu had recently reiterated that "no Indian military personnel" will remain in the country after May 10, "be it in uniform or civilian clothing," Maldives-based The Edition reported. (With inputs from agencies)

India replaces first batch of military in Maldives with technical personnel, says MEA

Amid complicated diplomatic relations with India, Maldives has signed a defence agreement with China. This is being done in a bit to strengthen bilateral ties with the Asian superpower.

Maldives-China ink defence deal, Muizzu strengthens pro-China tilt

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has affirmed that no Indian military personnel, not even those in civilian clothing, would be present inside his country after May 10. Watch in for more details!

Maldives President Muizzu says no Indian troops to remain on his island after May 10

'No Indian troops to stay in Maldives even in civilian clothing', says President Muizzu

The newly-elected leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has publicly refuted claims made by President Muizzu regarding the presence of Indian Military personnel in Maldives.

Maldives ex-Minister Abdulla Shahid debunks Presidents' Indian Military presence claims

Maldivian President Muhammad Muizzu delivered his first presidential address at the parliament today. The main opposition parties which includes the Maldivian Democratic party and the Democrats decided to boycott this address. President Muizzu's address at the opening of The People's Majlis comes after the chaos in the Maldivian parliament. Watch to know more!

Maldives President Muizzu's address, focus on withdrawal of Indian troops

Maldives President Muizzu's address ahead of Parliamentary polls

India-Maldives relations have taken a big hit since Mohamed Muizzu came to power in the Maldives. Muizzu's distinct anti-India and pro-China stand have meant huge flak from the political opposition and even his own party members. Lawmakers have even called for Muizzu's impeachment. A series of moves by Muizzu tilting away from traditional Maldivian ally India and towards China are in focus in this analysis on Inside South Asia.

Maldives-India ties Nose Dive | Inside South Asia

January 28: A massive ruckus erupts in Maldivian Parliament when the members of #MDP AND #PNC engaged in a scuffle Jan 31: Maldives Prosecutor General Hussain Shaheem gets attacked by unknown assailants Earlier a diplomatic row with India and then close ties between #Beijing and #Male Controversy after controversy, what is happening in the Maldives? Will President #Muizzu get impeached? As #Maldives dives in big mess, is Muizzu falling in #China trap ? Watch #WIONwideangle

Mal'dives' in mess: Is Muizzu falling into a China trap? | WION Wideangle in mess: Is Muizzu falling into a China trap? | WION Wideangle

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu can soon face impeachment vote. As Maldives' main opposition party is set to initiate an impeachment motion against Muizzu. The Maldivian Democratic Party is gathering signatures from supporters of Muizzu's impeachment.

All about the looming impeachment motion against Maldives President Muizzu

Will Maldives president Muizzu be impeached? Maldives opposition parties claim to have collected enough signatures for Mohamed Muizzu impeachment; government moves court citing a key amendment illegal. Meanwhile, amid the crisis prosecutor general stabbed in male.

MDP plans impeachment motion against President Muizzu: Report

The Maldives Opposition looks all set to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu just months after he came to power. The newly elected president has invited the ire of Maldives' political leaders over his anti-India moves recently. As Muizzu continues to cosy up to China, will it cost him the job?

'Maldives' anti-India President | Muizzu's Pro-China Moves To Cost Him?

Maldivian opposition party readies impeachment motion against president. A total of 34 members, including representatives from both the MDP and democrats, have given their support to the motion for the impeachment of the president. Watch in this report for more details!

Muizzu to lose his post? | Maldives' Parliament Ruckus

Proceedings of the Maldivian parliament came to a halt on Sunday as members came to blows, with videos showing Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) fighting with ruling Peoples’ National Congress (PNC). Watch in this report for more details!

MPs come to blows in Maldivian Parliament: Govt and MPs clash over vote on Muizzu's Parliament

<p>WION Exclusive: Dramatic visuals emerged from Maldives parliament on Sunday (Jan 28) after the ruling alliance's lawmakers disrupted parliamentary proceedings ahead of a key vote crucial for the functioning of President Muizzu's government.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Dramatic visuals from Maldives Parliament as opposition MPs are prevented from entering Parliament floor ahead of Parliamentary approval of Muizzu's Cabinet. <a href="https://t.co/mVc6TT1yp4">pic.twitter.com/mVc6TT1yp4</a></p>
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<p>The visuals, exclusively accessed by WION, showed lawmakers engaged in a fierce altercation. The government's lawmakers of the&nbsp;Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) disrupted the proceeding over parliament and the speaker's functioning.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: Maldives Parliament witnesses physical altercation after Government MPs (PPM/PNC party) disrupt proceeding over Parliament &amp; Speakers' functioning. Key vote was to take place today over Parliamentary approval for the Muizzu cabinet.<br />
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Exclusive video from inside: <a href="https://t.co/FwWj80uuyL">pic.twitter.com/FwWj80uuyL</a></p>
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<p>Notably, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's&nbsp;Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is in control of the parliament and the ruling PPM-PNC does not have a parliamentary majority.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Maldives parliament scuffle: Why session was extraordinary?</strong></h2>

<p>A special session was called to get the approval of the parliament for the ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch: More videos emerge from the Maldives Parliament as Govt MPs disrupt Parliament proceedings. <a href="https://t.co/Zt1zlnuyS3">pic.twitter.com/Zt1zlnuyS3</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1751560413744173124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Of the 22 names, the 18 named managed to get parliamentary approval to continue as cabinet ministers while four names were not approved. Consequently, the lawmakers from the ruling PPM-PNC alliance stopped the parliament's functioning and a fierce altercation ensued.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Ugly fighting scenes unfold In Maldives Parliament as ruling party MPs disrupt speaker<a href="https://twitter.com/AnanyaDutta97?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@AnanyaDutta97</a> joined by <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sidhant</a> for more details <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Maldives?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Maldives</a><br />
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Watch more at <a href="https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J">https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J</a> <a href="https://t.co/l5y2c2gsrW">pic.twitter.com/l5y2c2gsrW</a></p>
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<p>Subsequently. the microphones installed in the parliament were&nbsp;taken away to prevent their potential use amid&nbsp;the physical altercation between the lawmakers.</p>


WION Exclusive: Dramatic visuals emerged from Maldives parliament on Sunday (Jan 28) after the ruling alliance's lawmakers disrupted parliamentary proceedings ahead of a key vote crucial for the functioning of President Muizzu's government.

WION Exclusive: Dramatic visuals emerged from Maldives parliament on Sunday (Jan 28) after the ruling alliance's lawmakers disrupted parliamentary proceedings ahead of a key vote crucial for the functioning of President Muizzu's government. #WATCH | Dramatic visuals from Maldives Parliament as opposition MPs are prevented from entering Parliament floor ahead of Parliamentary approval of Muizzu's Cabinet. pic.twitter.com/mVc6TT1yp4 — WION (@WIONews) January 28, 2024 × The visuals, exclusively accessed by WION, showed lawmakers engaged in a fierce altercation. The government's lawmakers of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and President Mohamed Muizzu's People's National Congress (PNC) disrupted the proceeding over parliament and the speaker's functioning. Watch: Maldives Parliament witnesses physical altercation after Government MPs (PPM/PNC party) disrupt proceeding over Parliament & Speakers' functioning. Key vote was to take place today over Parliamentary approval for the Muizzu cabinet. Exclusive video from inside: pic.twitter.com/FwWj80uuyL — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 28, 2024 × Notably, former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) is in control of the parliament and the ruling PPM-PNC does not have a parliamentary majority. Maldives parliament scuffle: Why session was extraordinary? A special session was called to get the approval of the parliament for the ministers in President Mohamed Muizzu's cabinet. Watch: More videos emerge from the Maldives Parliament as Govt MPs disrupt Parliament proceedings. pic.twitter.com/Zt1zlnuyS3 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 28, 2024 × Of the 22 names, the 18 named managed to get parliamentary approval to continue as cabinet ministers while four names were not approved. Consequently, the lawmakers from the ruling PPM-PNC alliance stopped the parliament's functioning and a fierce altercation ensued. Ugly fighting scenes unfold In Maldives Parliament as ruling party MPs disrupt speaker@AnanyaDutta97 joined by @Sidhant for more details #Maldives Watch more at https://t.co/AXC5qRuO3J pic.twitter.com/l5y2c2gsrW — WION (@WIONews) January 28, 2024 × Subsequently. the microphones installed in the parliament were taken away to prevent their potential use amid the physical altercation between the lawmakers.

Video | Maldives: Lawmakers indulge in scuffle ahead of key parliamentary vote

On Sunday (28th January), a ruckus broke out inside the premises of the Maldivian Parliament ahead of a crucial vote to determine the cabinet of incumbent pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu.

Maldives: Government and opposition MPs clash over vote on Muizzu's new parliament

<p>Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday (January 26)&nbsp;extended Republic Day greetings to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. This gesture comes in the wake of a recent diplomatic row triggered by derogatory comments made by Maldivian Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.</p>

<p>Muizzu, in separate messages to President Murmu and PM Modi, conveyed his "heartfelt felicitations" on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India. The statement highlighted the centuries-old bond between the Maldives and India, characterised by mutual respect.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"President Dr Muizzu conveyed good wishes from the Government and the people of the Maldives to the Government and the people of India. He underscored the Maldives-India bond nurtured by centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and a deep sense of kinship. The President expressed hope for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the Government and people of India for years to come," the Maldives government press release said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/american-transgender-swimmer-taking-legal-action-against-world-aquatics-to-compete-again-report-683855">American transgender swimmer taking legal action against World Aquatics to compete again: Report</a></p>

<p>The wishes by Muizzu comes after a series of events that soured relations between India and the Maldives.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/colombia-declares-disaster-calls-for-international-help-as-due-to-raging-wildfires-across-the-country-683834">Colombia declares disaster, calls for international help due to raging wildfires across the country</a></p>

<p>The derogatory comments made by Mariyam Shiuna, the Deputy Minister at the Maldives Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Art,&nbsp;led to India officially raising&nbsp;concerns with Male. The incident&nbsp;sparked&nbsp;a diplomatic row between the neighbouring countries.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/republic-day-parade-2024-india-showcases-all-women-tri-service-contingent-at-kartavya-path-683877">Republic Day Parade 2024: India showcases all-women Tri-service contingent at Kartavya Path</a></strong></p>

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<p>Later, President Muizzu, who had recently returned from a five-day trip to China, took a veiled swipe at India, stating, "We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us."</p>

<p>He also asserted that the Indian Ocean does not belong to any particular country and said that the Maldives is not in anyone's backyard.</p>

<p>Despite the tensions and exchange of words, President Muizzu's Republic Day greetings appear to be an attempt to mend diplomatic relations and reaffirm the longstanding ties between the Maldives and India. But it remains to be seen whether it signals a willingness from the Maldives to de-escalate tensions with its neighbouring nation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday (January 26) extended Republic Day greetings to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries.

Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu on Friday (January 26) extended Republic Day greetings to Indian President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries. This gesture comes in the wake of a recent diplomatic row triggered by derogatory comments made by Maldivian Deputy Minister Mariyam Shiuna about India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Muizzu, in separate messages to President Murmu and PM Modi, conveyed his "heartfelt felicitations" on the occasion of the 75th Republic Day of India. The statement highlighted the centuries-old bond between the Maldives and India, characterised by mutual respect. "President Dr Muizzu conveyed good wishes from the Government and the people of the Maldives to the Government and the people of India. He underscored the Maldives-India bond nurtured by centuries of friendship, mutual respect, and a deep sense of kinship. The President expressed hope for continued peace, progress, and prosperity for the Government and people of India for years to come," the Maldives government press release said. Also Read | American transgender swimmer taking legal action against World Aquatics to compete again: Report The wishes by Muizzu comes after a series of events that soured relations between India and the Maldives. Also Read | Colombia declares disaster, calls for international help due to raging wildfires across the country The derogatory comments made by Mariyam Shiuna, the Deputy Minister at the Maldives Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Art, led to India officially raising concerns with Male. The incident sparked a diplomatic row between the neighbouring countries. Watch | Republic Day Parade 2024: India showcases all-women Tri-service contingent at Kartavya Path × Later, President Muizzu, who had recently returned from a five-day trip to China, took a veiled swipe at India, stating, "We may be small, but that doesn’t give you the license to bully us." He also asserted that the Indian Ocean does not belong to any particular country and said that the Maldives is not in anyone's backyard. Despite the tensions and exchange of words, President Muizzu's Republic Day greetings appear to be an attempt to mend diplomatic relations and reaffirm the longstanding ties between the Maldives and India. But it remains to be seen whether it signals a willingness from the Maldives to de-escalate tensions with its neighbouring nation. (With inputs from agencies)

'Centuries of mutual respect': Maldives' Muizzu extends Republic Day greetings to India amid soured ties

The pro-China script president of the island nation Maldives is back-firing. The anti-India stance of President Mohamed Muizzu is now hurting him. The opposition parties are livid over Muizzu's attempt to move away from neighbour India in his attempt to ally with China.

China-Maldives ties: Muizzu in deep waters

<p>India-Maldives ties: In the wake of escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Both parties hailed India's role as the 'most long-standing ally' of the Maldives.</p>

<p>The development unfolded following an announcement by the Maldives government that a Chinese research and survey vessel would be docking at a Maldivian port.</p>

<p>New Delhi has been closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese ship.</p>

<p>At the joint press conference, representatives from the MDP and the Democrats voiced their concerns, stating, "The current administration seems to be taking a clear pivot towards an anti-India stance. Both the MDP and the Democrats believe that distancing from any development partner, particularly the country's most long-standing ally, will be highly detrimental to the long-term development of the Maldives."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India-Maldives tensions: Maldives government confirms arrival of Chinese ship</strong></p>

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<p>They brought&nbsp;focus on the importance of maintaining stable relations with all development partners.</p>

<p>"Stability and security in the Indian Ocean are vital to the stability and security of the Maldives," they added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Breaking: Joint press statement by Maldives Opposition MDP &amp; the Democrats say, "the current administration appears to be making a stark pivot towards an anti India stance.. will be extremely detrimental" <a href="https://t.co/Lt523EUcqq">pic.twitter.com/Lt523EUcqq</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1750191399243591730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The ongoing tension was ignited when three deputy ministers of the Maldives posted derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and against Indians in general during the Indian prime minister's visit to Lakshadweep.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maldives-14-year-old-dies-after-president-muizzu-denies-approval-to-use-indian-plane-for-airlift-681975">Maldives:14-year-old dies after President Muizzu 'denies approval' to use Indian plane for airlift</a></strong></p>

<p>President Muizzu subsequently suspended the ministers while responding to concerns from India. But the damage was done as Indians on social media led boycott calls against visiting Maldives.</p>

<p>Adding to the strain, President Muizzu has requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives by March 15. Currently, there are 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, involved in operating a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters provided by India.</p>

<p>In a departure from tradition, President Muizzu made Beijing his first port of call earlier this month after assuming office, marking a shift from the customary practice of the Maldivian President's first visit being to New Delhi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


India-Maldives ties: In the wake of escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24).

India-Maldives ties: In the wake of escalating diplomatic tussle between India and the Maldives, the latter's two major Opposition parties, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats, jointly expressed apprehension about President Muizzu's government's 'anti-India stance' during a press conference on Wednesday (Jan 24). Both parties hailed India's role as the 'most long-standing ally' of the Maldives. The development unfolded following an announcement by the Maldives government that a Chinese research and survey vessel would be docking at a Maldivian port. New Delhi has been closely monitoring the movement of the Chinese ship. At the joint press conference, representatives from the MDP and the Democrats voiced their concerns, stating, "The current administration seems to be taking a clear pivot towards an anti-India stance. Both the MDP and the Democrats believe that distancing from any development partner, particularly the country's most long-standing ally, will be highly detrimental to the long-term development of the Maldives." Also watch | India-Maldives tensions: Maldives government confirms arrival of Chinese ship × They brought focus on the importance of maintaining stable relations with all development partners. "Stability and security in the Indian Ocean are vital to the stability and security of the Maldives," they added. Breaking: Joint press statement by Maldives Opposition MDP & the Democrats say, "the current administration appears to be making a stark pivot towards an anti India stance.. will be extremely detrimental" pic.twitter.com/Lt523EUcqq — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 24, 2024 × The ongoing tension was ignited when three deputy ministers of the Maldives posted derogatory comments against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and against Indians in general during the Indian prime minister's visit to Lakshadweep. Also read | Maldives:14-year-old dies after President Muizzu 'denies approval' to use Indian plane for airlift President Muizzu subsequently suspended the ministers while responding to concerns from India. But the damage was done as Indians on social media led boycott calls against visiting Maldives. Adding to the strain, President Muizzu has requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives by March 15. Currently, there are 88 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, involved in operating a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters provided by India. In a departure from tradition, President Muizzu made Beijing his first port of call earlier this month after assuming office, marking a shift from the customary practice of the Maldivian President's first visit being to New Delhi. (With inputs from agencies)

Maldives: India hailed as 'most long-standing ally' by Opposition amid Muizzu's pro-China stance

Will Maldives' Anti-India President be impeached? 2 major opposition parties in Maldives have risen in revolt against Muizzu calling his anti-India pivot 'detrimental' to the country's future. Molly Gambhir brings you a report.

Gravitas | Muizzu in Trouble: Opposition rises in revolt against Maldives' President

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