Maldives' Opposition parties hit out at government for its 'anti-India stance'
Amid a diplomatic conflict between india and the maldives, the Maldives' two main opposition parties expressed alarm on wednesday over their government's 'anti-India posture', referring to india as the'most long-standing friend'.
This comes a day after the maldives government announced that a Chinese ship prepared to conduct research and surveys will dock at a Maldivian port after being granted permission by the Male administration to make a port call for replenishment. Meanwhile, officials in the indian defence establishment claimed New delhi was closely monitoring the ship's movements.
At a joint news conference, the Maldivian Democratic party (MDP) and the Democrats stated, "The current administration appears to be taking a sharp turn towards an anti-India stance." Both the MDP and the Democrats think that alienating any development partner, particularly the country's most steadfast ally, would be immensely damaging to the country's long-term growth."
"The country's successive governments must be able to collaborate with all development partners for the benefit of the Maldivians, as the maldives has always done. "Stability and security in the indian Ocean are critical to the Maldives' stability and security," they stated.
During prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging remarks about him, sparking a controversy.
President Muizzu dismissed the three ministers after their social media posts sparked anxiety in india and prompted a boycott by indian visitors, who numbered the most, followed by Russians.
Muizzu has also demanded india to remove its troops from his nation by march 15. According to the most recent government numbers, 88 indian military personnel are stationed in the maldives to assist operate a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters given by India.
Muizzu's most recent visit to beijing was early this month, just after taking office. New delhi has traditionally been a Maldivian President's first place of contact.
This comes a day after the maldives government announced that a Chinese ship prepared to conduct research and surveys will dock at a Maldivian port after being granted permission by the Male administration to make a port call for replenishment. Meanwhile, officials in the indian defence establishment claimed New delhi was closely monitoring the ship's movements.
At a joint news conference, the Maldivian Democratic party (MDP) and the Democrats stated, "The current administration appears to be taking a sharp turn towards an anti-India stance." Both the MDP and the Democrats think that alienating any development partner, particularly the country's most steadfast ally, would be immensely damaging to the country's long-term growth."
"The country's successive governments must be able to collaborate with all development partners for the benefit of the Maldivians, as the maldives has always done. "Stability and security in the indian Ocean are critical to the Maldives' stability and security," they stated.
During prime minister Narendra Modi's visit to Lakshadweep, three Maldivian deputy ministers made disparaging remarks about him, sparking a controversy.
President Muizzu dismissed the three ministers after their social media posts sparked anxiety in india and prompted a boycott by indian visitors, who numbered the most, followed by Russians.
Muizzu has also demanded india to remove its troops from his nation by march 15. According to the most recent government numbers, 88 indian military personnel are stationed in the maldives to assist operate a Dornier aircraft and two helicopters given by India.
Muizzu's most recent visit to beijing was early this month, just after taking office. New delhi has traditionally been a Maldivian President's first place of contact.