Gasuim Ibrahim, the leader of the Jumhoori Party, has urged Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu to issue a formal apology to India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, advocating for "diplomatic reconciliation" to mend the strained bilateral relations.
Gasuim's call for reconciliation stemmed from President Muizzu's remarks earlier in the month, wherein he indirectly referred to India as a bully. Muizzu's statement, perceived as pro-China, sparked controversy amid escalating tensions between Maldives and India.
Gasuim's plea came following an interview with the Voice Of Maldives, wherein he expressed concerns over President Muizzu's comments and urged him to extend apologies to India and Prime Minister Modi for the contentious remarks made during the interview.
Gasuim attributed these remarks to former President Abdulla Yameen, who initiated the "India Out" campaign, leading to strained relations between Maldives and India. Gasuim also highlighted the significance of India's expertise in various fields, including medical services and medicines, emphasizing the impracticality of reducing dependence on India in these sectors.
President Muizzu's recent statements, advocating for reduced dependence on India, have further complicated the relationship between Maldives and India. Gasuim Ibrahim emphasized the need for "diplomatic reconciliation" through a formal apology to mend the bilateral relations, suggesting that such actions are crucial for restoring harmony between the two nations.
This call for reconciliation is not unprecedented, as earlier, on January 24, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats expressed concerns over the government's "anti-India stance," reaffirming India's status as the "most long-standing ally."
The strained ties between India and Maldives were exacerbated when President Muizzu chose Beijing as his first port of call, deviating from the traditional protocol of visiting New Delhi. Additionally, Muizzu formally requested India to withdraw military personnel from Maldives, further straining the bilateral relations between the two countries.
