Mohammed Muizzu, a supporter of China, becomes the new President of Maldives

Dr. Mohammed Muizzu has been declared the winner in the presidential election held in Maldives on 30 September 2023. The newly elected President of Maldives, Dr. Muizzu is considered to be a supporter of China.

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated Dr. Muizzu on his election as the President of Maldives. The congratulatory message said that India is committed to strengthening bilateral relations with Maldives and enhancing our overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean region.

How is Muizzu's victory as President of Maldives worrying for India?

• Before winning the presidential election, Muizzu was the mayor of Male city of Maldives. During this period, he has repeatedly advocated deeper relations with China. Meanwhile, in a meeting with Chinese leaders, he had said that if his party returns to power, he will write a new chapter of strong relations between the two countries.

Former President Abdulla Yameen is in jail on corruption charges:

• Before Muizzu, his party leader Abdulla Yameen came to power in 2013. During his tenure, he was accused of widespread corruption and human rights violations.
• Another issue on Abdulla Yameen was the construction of public infrastructure such as roads, bridges and airports, in which he rejected India's offer and turned to Chinese investment. As a result, Maldives started getting buried in Chinese debt.
• In the year 2018, these same issues also became the reason for his defeat and Ibrahim Solih had won a big victory.

Mohammad Muizzu engaged in anti-India campaign:

• Mohammad Muizzu, who is considered to be pro-China, started showing anti-India stance as soon as he won the elections. On 2 October 2023, he reiterated his commitment to remove foreign troops from the country if he wins the elections. Muizzu said that he would remove the Indian Army from Maldives. He also ran an election campaign named 'India Out' in the elections.

India and Maldives relations:

• The Maldives is a country made up of 1,200 coral islands in the Indian Ocean, located on the main shipping route between East and West.
• In January 2023, India and Maldives signed agreements on some development projects in Maldives. according to this:
  • Both Maldives and Sri Lanka are India's key maritime neighbors in the Indian Ocean region and hold a special place in the Prime Minister's vision of 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and 'Neighbourhood First'.
  • Includes grant assistance of 100 million Rufiyaa (Maldives currency) for high impact community development projects.
  • Under this financing, several socio-economic development projects are planned to be implemented across the country.
  • Gahadhoo also includes the development of a sports complex and academic collaboration between Maldives National University and Cochin University of Science and Technology.

Maldives:

• Capital: Male
• Currency: Rufiyaa
• President: Dr. Mohammad Muizzu