Shahid: Incumbent administration has recognized India as a true friend

Main opposition MDP’s leader, former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid states the current administration has finally recognized India as a true friend of the Maldives.

Shahid’s remarks come ahead of a scheduled visit by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Maldives to attend Maldives’ 60^th Independence Day celebrations as the guest of honor at the invitation of Maldivian President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. In this regard, PM Modi is set to arrive in the Maldives for the two-day visit on Friday.

Speaking during an interview to Indian media outlet, ANI, on Wednesday, Shahid said India will always work to the greater good of its neighbors. He described President Muizzu extending the invitation to PM Modi is a strong message indicating the current administration’s recognition that India is true friend to the Maldives.

"Relationship between India & Maldives based on true friendship..political narrative of last election behind us," says President Maldivian Democratic Party, Abdulla Shahid @MDPSecretariat @abdulla_shahid ahead of PM Modi's visit to Maldives. Interview:pic.twitter.com/ELvR5WqvRq

— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 23, 2025

He expressed optimism that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would usher in a new chapter in Maldives-India relations and serve to further strengthen the ties between the two nations.

Shahid also criticized the current Maldivian administration, stressing that friendship between neighboring countries can only be maintained if Maldivian leadership refrain from using those neighbors as scapegoats for political gain.

In another interview with Indian media outlet, WION, Shahid, referring to India, said Maldives is blessed to have a neighbor that is the fifth largest economy in the Maldives.

“We are blessed that we have as our neighbor, the fifth largest economy in the world, the country which has over 60 percent growth rate, a country which is reaching USD 4 trillion in its GDP, a huge, huge economy. Maldives needs to tap into this economy,” he said.

Nevertheless, he underscored that the relations between the two nations had been strained by a completely unnecessary fight initiated by officials from the current administration.

He highlighted several ongoing infrastructure development projects in the Maldives with assistance from the Indian government, noting that some—implemented during the MDP administration—are scheduled to be inaugurated during Prime Minister Modi’s visit. Shahid emphasized that these projects have continued regardless of changes in government, underscoring that India’s support for the Maldives is not influenced by the political party in power at any given time.

Sun has learned that Modi is scheduled to meet senior officials from MDP during his visit. He requested meetings with former Maldivian presidents Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, both of whom had fostered close ties with India during their administration. However, Solih will reportedly not be able to meet Modi as he is currently overseas for medical treatment.

The MDP had held close relations with India during its two administrations, the first one under Nasheed from 2008 to 2012, and the second one under Solih from 2018 to 2023. Both administrations were often slammed for its over reliance on the Indian government.

But, elected to office on a pledge to expel Indian troops from the Maldives, relations between Male’ and New Delhi had been strained in the early days of President Muizzu’s administration.

Things escalated further three months into office when three deputy ministers made disparaging remarks regarding India and Indian Prime Minister Modi following a social media post promoting India’s Lakshadweep as an alternative tourist destination to the Maldives.

Speaking to reporters after concluding a state visit to China the same month, President Muizzu said that Maldives wasn’t any country’s backyard and that the country cannot be bullied just because its small – remarks that were widely believed to be directed at India.

But despite the earlier turmoil, officials from both Male’ and Delhi repeatedly expressed keenness to repairing relations, and engaged in several high-level visits, including two by President Muizzu himself.

Nasheed, in an interview to ANI, has remarked Maldivian economy would have defaulted if not for India's prompt assistance at a time when the Maldives is facing increasing financial troubles and significant debts.

The upcoming visit by Modi, which will mark his third visit to the Maldives but his first during President Muizzu’s administration, is expected to cement the ties between Male’ and New Delhi.

Modi said on Wednesday that it was a great honor to attend the official celebrations of Maldives' 60th Independence Day.