23 March 2024 – President Mohammed Muizzu’s ‘come to Jesus moment’ came after he named India a ‘closest ally’ and sought for debt relief to save the Maldives from economic calamity. As usual for this erratic politician, Muizzu blamed the pro-India Ibrahim Solih administration for the Maldives’ economic woes to sway voters in the April 21 Majlis election.
As Muizzu planned to expel non-existent Indian soldiers from Maldives before he became president on November 17, 2023, the Maldives President has requested debt relief from India without officially addressing Modi.
Muizzu, who was punching above his weight and seeking India’s enemies as friends, refused to let Pakistan frigate PMS Saif to make a courtesy call at Male seaport following a goodwill visit to Colombo port from January 30-February 1 earlier this year.
Conclusion
Muizzu’s media reports also show that high-end Indian visitors have ceased visiting Maldives, with guest house Chinese tourists becoming number one and Indians number six. Luxury resorts serving Indian visitors lost approximately USD 100 million in the first three months, according to unconfirmed claims. Maldives’ financials suggest a 2026 debt default. Muizzu’s shoot-from-the-hip approach to India has backfired since his Ottoman and Han allies don’t want to invest in the Indian Ocean littoral country
