Former Maldives Defence Minister Mariya Didi Praises Improved India-Maldives Relations

By Ayushi Agarwal

New Delhi, India, July 29: Former Maldivian Defence Minister, Mariya Didi, has emphasized the growing importance of the bilateral relationship between Maldives and India. She commented on recent statements by Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who thanked the Indian government for assisting in the island nation’s debt repayment.

Mariya Didi believes this will help build confidence and clear any doubts about the goodwill between the two countries. She said, “I believe this would be a huge confidence-building measure on both sides and would clear any doubts anyone had ever held regarding the goodwill of the bilateral relationship of our two friendly nations.”

President Muizzu, during the official Independence Day function on July 26, praised the administration’s foreign policy and celebrated eight months of ‘diplomatic success.’ He expressed gratitude to both India and China for their support in easing Maldives’ debt repayment, which he said ensured the country’s economic sovereignty.

Since coming to power, Muizzu has taken several steps to improve India-Maldives ties, despite his earlier ‘India Out’ campaign rhetoric. Mariya Didi pointed out that Muizzu had previously created fear among Maldivians by claiming the presence of thousands of Indian troops and accusing the Solih Administration of compromising national security.

“It is good to see that Muizzu is now coming to his senses and realizing how important a good bilateral relationship between the two friendly neighbours is,” she said. Didi also urged Muizzu to explain to the Maldivian people how wrong he was in his assumptions to clear any doubts he had created.

A diplomatic row between New Delhi and Male erupted after three Maldivian deputy ministers made derogatory remarks about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ministers were suspended, and the matter was resolved after New Delhi registered a strong protest.