Destabilising Maldives Interest Of Countries Eyeing Control Over Indian Ocean: Abdulla Shahid

Speaking exclusively to ABP Live, Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid said only a ‘democratic and stable’ Maldives would assure the world of its credibility.

New Delhi: Destabilising the democratic architecture of Maldives can have an adverse impact on the entire Indian Ocean region, and this can be the motive of those countries who intend to gain “control” over this critical strategic expanse, according to Abdulla Shahid, Foreign Minister of Maldives.

Speaking exclusively to ABP Live during his recent two-day visit to India, Shahid said only a “democratic and stable” Maldives, which is going to face a crucial Presidential election in September, will give an assurance to the world of credibility in the island nation’s decision making.

“Destabilising Maldives would be in the interest of countries which may want to destabilise and take control of the Indian Ocean. Maldives, because of its strategic location, is at the centre of the Indian Ocean,” said Shahid, who was elected as the President of the United Nations General Assembly in 2021.

Shahid said: “Only a democratic and stable Maldives would give that assurance to the international community that the decisions made by the country are credible and reflective of the wishes of the people.”

‘India Out Campaign Activity Of Fringe Group’

Political turmoil in Maldives has been growing by the day as the Presidential elections there come closer with fears that former President Abdullah Yameen’s party – Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) – can come back to power.

Yameen, who has encouraged anti-Indian sentiments in that country, is currently imprisoned so he cannot contest the elections. But according to local media reports, he may be fielding a new candidate to contest against President Solih.

Under Yameen’s direction, several of his party people have been carrying out an ‘India Out’ campaign since last year, adding to New Delhi’s concerns.

“The India Out campaign is an activity of a fringe group led by former President Yameen and his team. They are doing this because they have nothing else to sell to the people, no concrete policies either eco or social so they are trying to create hate and ultra-nationalism. This has never taken off in the Maldives because they have been trying for the last three years and still continue to be in the fringe,” Shahid said.

He also said: “Majority of the PPM members themselves don’t believe in this and that is why when they come on to the street it is only a handful of people. Every now and then they try to create a fervour but it dies down because the relationship between the people of two countries have been much more solid.”

Political Turmoil In Maldives

Ahead of Presidential polls in Malé, the ruling Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and its leader President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih suffered major setback with one of their key members, ex-President Mohamed Nasheed, leaving the party. According to certain media reports from Maldives, Nasheed may be joining hands with Yameen.

“Nobody in MDP is celebrating President Nasheed’s leaving the party. It is unbelievable, unthinkable that President Nasheed would go and join hands with President Yameen, who not only incarcerated him (Nasheed) but also incarcerated every political leader in the country,” said Shahid.

He added: “So many activists themselves were incarcerated … Yameen is the one who violated the Constitution by arresting the Chief Justice and Justice of the Supreme Court, who prevented Parliamentarians like us from going into the Parliament, someone who has just done so much to destroy the democratic gains that MDP has achieved, then going and joining hands with him is unthinkable. There are ongoing talks that are being held.”

After quitting the MDP, Nasheed has floated his own party called The Democrats even as speculations are rife that he may join hands with Yameen to form a coalition of sorts to contest against Solih.

During Yameen’s regime, Maldives threw open all doors to Chinese investments in several critical infrastructure projects, which has left Malé with a monumental debt.

Shahid told ABP Live that he is confident that the people of Maldives will once again vote for President Solih and bring him back to power for the second time because of the developmental work carried out under the current administration.

“So much has been delivered to the people. I have travelled to the many far away islands in Maldives, and a number of projects have been undertaken there. In almost all the islands water and sanitation have been delivered,” said Shahid.

The Maldivian Foreign Minister added: “In 2023 a country like Maldives, having a GDP of more than 12,000 pounds, we shouldn’t be talking about basic necessities about delivering water and sanitation. But then the previous governments have not been able to do it and that is why we are doing it. People in the islands appreciate it.”

He also stressed that higher education in Maldives has received impetus under Solih, with more than 17,000 Maldivians graduating since 2018 when he came to power.

“The islands are being provided with electricity and the harbours are being built so that people can safely come in and out. Land has also been reclaimed for housing and many housing projects have been undertaken. So many things are happening,” he said.

‘Solid & Outstanding Relationship With India’

The current Solih regime has been following a decisive ‘India First’ policy even as it attempts to balance its ties with China, since coming to power in 2018. India sees Maldives as a partner and is deeply engaged in the development of the island nation owing to its strategic importance and also due to China’s presence there.

“We have been able to have a solid four years of outstanding relationship which has given confidence to the people of both countries,” said Shahid.

He added: “Our defence and economic cooperation will continue to grow Even as we speak there are over 100 Maldivians who are obtaining military training in India. That speaks for itself.”

In terms of cooperation between India and Maldives in the defence and security sphere, New Delhi has provided the Solih government with several defence platforms for strengthening their national security.

In May, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited Maldives and handed over a Fast Patrol Vessel and a Landing Craft Assault ship to the Maldives National Defence Forces (MNDF).

In August 2022, President Solih visited India to strengthen the ties. During that time, India had announced the replacement ship for the CGS Huravee — an indigenously built Trinkat-class patrol vessel that the Navy gave to the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF) in 2006. India has also provided 24 utility vehicles to Maldives. 

Maldives is also part of the trilateral dialogue – Colombo Security Dialogue (CSC) – by the National Security Advisors that includes Sri Lanka. The trilateral arrangement will now soon be joined by Bangladesh and Mauritius. 

The seventh Deputy NSA level CSC was hosted by Maldives on July 12. The Indian delegation was led by Deputy NSA Vikram Mistri, which focussed on maritime safety and security, countering terrorism and radicalization, combating trafficking and transnational organised crime and cyber security, among others.

One of India’s flagship projects in Maldives had been the $500 million Greater Male Connectivity Project apart from grants, concessional credit, budgetary support, capacity building and training assistance. Water and sanitation projects have been carried out in 34 islands of Maldives with India’s help.

India is also involved in the development of the Gulhifalhu Port and the Hanimaadhoo international airport redevelopment project in Maldives.