New Delhi: The two main opposition parties in Maldives have come out against the Muizzu administration’s 'anti-India' stand just two days after it has allowed a Chinese ship to dock at the country’s port.
The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats reportedly said that alienating the country’s ‘most long-standing ally’ will adversely affect the long term development of the island nation, NDTV reported.
Referring to India as the ‘long-standing ally’ the two opposition parties said: ‘Both, the MDP and The Democrats believe alienating any development partner, and especially the country's most long-standing ally will be extremely detrimental to the long-term development of the country.’
The relations between India and Maldives have nosedived following the recently elected Muizzu regime began favouring China, signaling at a ‘significant geographical and military shift’ in the region.
President Muizz recently visited China further strengthening ties with the country, seeking its involvement in island nation’s development.
Maldivian leader came to power in the 2023 whipping up anti-India feelings in the country.
Muizzu’s policies mark a significant departure from his predecessors who historically considered India as a natural ally .
As the Muizzu administration is full on pursuing pro-China policy, the Opposition parties have urged the government to work with ‘development partners as it has traditionally done’.
The two opposition parties, together holding 55 seats in the 87-member house, said: ‘Stability and security in the Indian Ocean is vital to the stability and security of the Maldives.’
Both parties called for changing the government’s policies at a joint news conference participated by MDP's chairperson Fayyaz Ismail alongside others including Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Ahmed Saleem, and Democrats chief MP Hassan Latheef.