Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu met in New Delhi to discuss strengthening their bilateral relationship. India announced an aid package of USD 400 million and INR 30 billion as a bilateral currency swap agreement to support Maldives' economy during this challenging time. Both leaders also agreed to further measures to enhance economic and maritime security cooperation between the two countries.
In a red carpet welcome, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised to support the progress and prosperity of the Maldives as President Mohamed Muizzu made his first state visit to the country. The visit marks a new chapter in the two countries' ties, which had been strained after Muizzu's election and his promised to oust Indian troops. During the visit, discussions were held on issues such as energy, trade, and defense cooperation, as well as the announcement of financial support for Maldives' struggling economy. Muizzu expressed gratitude for India's assistance in addressing foreign exchange issues.
Maldives police have arrested two ministers, Shamnaz Saleem and Adam Rameez, for allegedly performing black magic on President Mohamed Muizzu. Both ministers had previously worked with Muizzu when he was the mayor of Male City, and Shamnaz was later appointed to a state minister post at the President's official residence. While sorcery is not a criminal offence in the Maldives, it carries a jail sentence under Islamic law. The government and President's office have not yet made any official comment on the issue.
On Sunday, June 9, Narendra Modi took oath at the Rashtrapati Bhavan for his third term as the Prime Minister of India. He is the first three-term Prime Minister since Jawaharlal Nehru. Over 72 ministers, including Amit Shah, Rajnath Singh, and Nirmala Sitharaman, have also taken the oath. The ceremony was attended by world leaders like Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu and Mauritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth. The event can be streamed live on the News18 website and social media platforms.
Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has accepted India's invitation to attend PM Modi's swearing-in ceremony on Sunday. This is seen as a positive development for the strained India-Maldives ties, as Muizzu's presidency was initially seen as a threat to New Delhi. However, the visit is expected to strengthen the close relations between the two countries and demonstrate India's "neighbourhood first" policy. This visit comes amidst EAM Jaishankar's statements about the importance of diplomacy in resolving the current situation in the region.
In an interview with a local media outlet, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu accused his predecessor, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, of taking orders from a foreign ambassador. This comes after criticism from the opposition regarding the procurement of military drones and the establishment of a drone base in Noonu Atoll Maafaru. Mr. Muizzu did not name the country or diplomat in question, but the statement has raised questions about the country's independence and foreign relations under the current government.
In a bid to patch up relations with India, newly elected Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has expressed gratitude for India's support and acknowledged it as the country's "closest ally". Despite previous demands for the removal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives, Muizzu has now adopted a reconciliatory stance and has urged India to consider debt relief for the archipelago nation. In his first interview since taking office, Muizzu emphasized India's significant role in aiding the Maldives and confidently stated that India will continue to remain its closest ally.
Amidst strained relations with India and growing global interest, Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has taken his fight against changes to Parliament's standing orders to the Supreme Court. The amendments, which allow for the impeachment of the president, have led to increased pressure and sparked an alliance between the main opposition party and another minor party. With enough signatures gathered for an impeachment motion, the political situation in the island nation is reaching a boiling point.
The main opposition party in the Maldives, the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), is reportedly preparing to file a motion to impeach the pro-China President Mohamed Muizzu. This development comes after clashes between pro-government and opposition MPs in parliament over disagreements regarding the nomination of four members of Muizzu's cabinet. Despite having a majority in parliament, the MDP will face obstacles as the governing coalition has stated they will not allow the impeachment to proceed.
The main opposition MDP plans to submit a motion to impeach President Mohamed Muizzu after clashes erupted in Parliament over the approval of cabinet members. The development comes after three members were re-appointed by the President, who faced denial of approval during a vote in which the MDP holds the highest number of members. This comes as tensions rise between pro-government and opposition parties in the Maldives.