MDP blames Muizzu for Swamy's Maldives invasion remarks
The President's recent visit to China has also been heavily covered by the Indian media.
By
Mohamed Muzayyin Nazim
The main opposition Maldives Democratic Party (MDP) on Monday condemned the remarks made by an Indian politician calling for the occupation of Maldives. However, the MDP said such talks were surfacing because of President Mohammed Muizzu's foreign policy.
Former legislator and minister, politically influential Subramanian Swamy, who had earlier called for India to occupy Maldives on social media, has again written similarly in X on Monday.
Meanwhile, the MDP, which has always pursued a policy close to India, on Monday, issued a statement in English condemning Swamy’s remarks.
The party described Swamy's remarks as "irresponsible, reckless and immature" to “instill hatred” between Maldivians and Indians.
“The Maldives-India relationship has thrived since time-immemorial, based on mutual respect and people-to-people relations” the statement said.
The MDP called on Swamy not to use the name of Maldives for political purposes or to gain political popularity.
The statement concluded that President Muizzu's policy towards India allows the space to people like Swamy to make such statements.
It is noteworthy that the President's recent visit to China has also been heavily covered by the Indian media.
The conflicts broke out after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was slammed by some Maldivian politicians after he released photos and videos of his visit to Lakshadweep to promote tourism in the region. Thus:
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Some Indian activists launched a campaign describing Modi's video as an anti-Maldivian approach to tourism
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With the campaign, some Maldivians insulted India and Modi and spoke in defense of Maldives
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With the inclusion of three deputy ministers of this government among the Maldivians who insulted India and Modi, the conflict grew further, and the Indian newspapers further slammed Maldives
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The deputies' remarks were condemned by some Maldivians and political parties, and they have now been suspended
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The President returned from his visit to China and responded strongly to India
Another reason for the deterioration of Maldives-India relations was the decision of the Maldivian government to withdraw Indian troops from Maldives.
The talks officially began on Sunday and President Muizzu has ordered the withdrawal of Indian troops before March 15. India has agreed to expedite the process.
