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.
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.
The Maldives Democratic Party's candidate Adam Azim won the crucial mayoral election of Male, causing a shock to President Mohamed Muizzu. This development comes amidst a diplomatic dispute between India and Maldives over comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Azim won with 44% of the votes, prompting celebrations and congratulatory messages from MDP Chairperson Fayyaz Ismail and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid. President Muizzu has assured the Mayor-elect of the government's support.
In a major upset for President Mohamed Muizzu, the pro-India opposition party has won a landslide victory in the Male Mayoral election. Adam Azim of the Maldivian Democratic Party has been elected as the new mayor, replacing Muizzu who resigned to run for president. The media in Maldives is calling Azim's win a "landslide" and a "victory by a large margin."
Amid the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Maldives, pressure is mounting on Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu as opposition leaders call for his removal. In response to anti-India and anti-Modi remarks by Maldivian MPs on social media, Indian netizens have started trending #BoycottMaldives. Renowned Indian celebrities have also joined in support of Lakshadweep and condemned the remarks. High Commissioner of Maldives to India was summoned by India's Ministry of External Affairs on January 08.
The Maldives proposes a visit by President Mohamed Muizzu to India, in the midst of strained relations between the two countries. However, the visit has yet to take place as mutually convenient dates have not been decided. These tensions began when Muizzu, who is seen as pro-China, promised to remove Indian troops from the Maldives. This proposal for a visit comes after three deputy ministers in Muizzu's government made derogatory comments about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, leading to a diplomatic row between the two nations. In response, Indian celebrities have been promoting domestic tourist destinations as an alternative to the Maldives. Despite this, the Maldives have affirmed that the derogatory remarks do not reflect their government's official stance.