Maldives Will Never Compromise India’s Security, Says Muizzu

President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has stated that the Maldives will never engage in actions that could compromise the security of India, reinforcing the commitment to the longstanding partnership between the two nations.

In an exclusive interview with The Times of India, Muizzu reaffirmed the Maldives’ dedication to its longstanding partnership with India, describing it as a relationship built on mutual respect and shared interests.

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Muizzu’s comments come amidst heightened scrutiny over the Maldives’ growing ties with China, particularly with the impending implementation of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed with China in 2017. Muizzu highlighted that his government will continue to prioritise its relationship with India, stating, “We are confident that our engagements with other nations will not undermine India’s security interests.”

Prior to his meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi today, Muizzu stressed the importance of strong bilateral ties, noting that defence cooperation between the Maldives and India would always be a priority.

Muizzu pointed to developments as evidence of a positive trajectory in bilateral relations, asserting that the outcome of his state visit would reinforce Maldive’s commitment to fostering a cooperative partnership with India. “In these globally challenging times, with regional conflicts threatening security, it is vital to foster collaborations, especially regarding the security of the Indian Ocean Region,” he remarked.

He acknowledged that the Maldives and India have developed a better understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns, further stating that ongoing reviews of past agreements aim to ensure alignment with national interests and regional stability.

Addressing concerns regarding economic sovereignty and trade imbalances, Muizzu affirmed the Maldives’ commitment to transparent and balanced trade practices. “We are mindful of maintaining our economic sovereignty and ensuring that our trade policies benefit the Maldivian people,” he said, reiterating the importance of engaging in diverse international collaborations to support national interests.