Will not do anything that will threaten India’s security… Read the interview of Maldives President Muizzoo

New Delhi: Maldivian President Mohammed Muizzu is on a visit to India from Sunday. This is his/her first state visit. Muizzu said in an exclusive interview to our colleague ‘Times of India’ that Maldives will never do anything that would threaten India’s security. Before meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Muizzoo tried to allay India’s concerns over Maldives’ growing ties with China. he/she said that Maldives is increasing cooperation with other countries, but it ensures that any of its steps does not harm the security and stability of the region.

What did Muizzju say on relations with India?

Muizzu said that India is an important ally and friend of Maldives. Relations between the two countries are based on mutual respect and common interests. Maldives will maintain strong and strategic relations with India and work together to ensure regional stability. President Muizzu said that under the ‘Maldives First’ policy, his/her country will continue to give priority to its long-standing and trusted relations with India. “We are confident that our relations with other countries will not undermine India’s security interests,” he/she said. Maldives will maintain strong and strategic relations with India.

Said this on the withdrawal of Indian soldiers

Muizzu said Maldives and India now understand each other’s concerns better and defense cooperation between the two countries will always be a priority. However, he/she defended the sending of Indian troops back from Maldives, saying that it was the wish of the local people. he/she said recent developments show positive progress in bilateral relations. By the end of his/her first State Visit it will be clear that Maldives is committed to fostering a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership.

Read Muijju’s interview

Question: This is your first official bilateral visit after assuming office in November. After going through ups and downs for the last 10 months, the relationship now seems to be stabilizing and things are getting better. To whom would you give credit for this change?

answer: This is my first state visit to India and I am very happy to undertake this visit in the first year of my tenure. I thank the President of India Draupadi Murmu and the Government of India for this invitation. As you know, I have traveled to India for the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year. I also had the privilege of meeting the Prime Minister on the sidelines of COP28, soon after his/her swearing-in in November. You will agree that it has not been a bumpy ride at all. This historical relationship is linked like the roots of a tree by centuries of exchange and shared values. We have been preparing for this visit for some time and have come at the time as per mutual understanding and convenience. The relations between Maldives and India have always been strong and I am confident that this visit will further strengthen it.

Question: What are your big expectations from this trip? Apart from development projects, are you expecting any special assistance from India to deal with the current financial situation?

answer: As this is my first state visit to India, I hope it reflects the commitment of both governments to improve relations and work towards a shared vision for development. India remains one of our largest trade and development partners. I am confident that this will be a very successful visit. I’m sure you’ll find out soon, because this journey is just around the corner.

Question: By sending back Indian military personnel, you managed to make your point on a sensitive issue while fulfilling your election promises. Are you looking to set limits on defense cooperation with India, as other agreements signed during your predecessor’s tenure are also being reviewed? What role do you see India playing in enhancing its defense capabilities and ensuring peace, security and stability in the region?

answer: As I just said, India is one of our largest development partners and defense cooperation will always be a priority. In challenging times globally, when regional wars threaten the security of all countries, it is important to foster these collaborations, especially the security of the Indian Ocean region. I can say with full confidence that Maldives and India now have a better understanding of each other’s priorities and concerns. I did what the people of Maldives asked me to do. The recent changes reflect our efforts to address domestic priorities. The purpose of our review of past agreements is to ensure that they are consistent with our national interests and contribute positively to regional stability. Being the world’s largest democracy, I believe the people and government of India understand this.

Question: During External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit, several new projects and initiatives were announced which, as you said, will boost the local economy and contribute to the prosperity of Maldives. You have also accepted the restructuring of the Line of Credit arrangement. Are you satisfied with the progress made in implementing some of the big projects like the Greater Male Connectivity Project?

answer: We are very happy about our relations with India and it will become even stronger after the visit. The Greater Male Connectivity Project is a major project between our countries. We are pleased with the progress made on several key projects and initiatives announced during External Affairs Minister Jaishankar’s visit. These projects are important to boost our local economy and contribute to the prosperity of the Maldives. The Line of Credit arrangement has been a positive step, facilitating smooth implementation of these projects. While there is always room for improvement, we are confident that continued collaboration and support will achieve significant progress, especially with major projects such as the Greater Male Connectivity Project.

Question: As far as India’s relations with Maldives are concerned, China remains a big challenge. You are looking to expand your defense cooperation with China along with promoting trade and investment ties. As you are working with China, can India be assured that Maldives will not do anything that would harm India’s security interests?

answer: Maldives will never do anything that could threaten India’s security. India is an important ally and friend of Maldives and our relations are based on mutual respect and common interests. We enhance our cooperation with other countries in various fields, but we remain committed to ensuring that our actions do not compromise the security and stability of our region. Maldives will continue to prioritize its long-term and trusting relations with India and we are confident that our relations with other countries will not undermine India’s security interests.

Question: Maldives will soon implement the FTA signed with China in 2017. What do you make of the fears that this could undermine the Maldives’ economic sovereignty given the considerable trade imbalance?

answer: Maldives values ​​its economic partnerships and is committed to promoting development through diverse international collaborations. We are conscious of maintaining our economic sovereignty and ensuring that our trade policies benefit the people of Maldives. We will continue to engage in transparent and balanced trade practices to address any concerns and maintain the economic interests of our nation.

Question: Not long ago, many people also saw you as one of the architects of the anti-India campaign. Given the recent developments in the relationship and the atmosphere of positivity, would you say that we are seeing a return of Maldives’ ‘India First’ policy? Or do you think it is important for Maldives to reduce its dependence on India despite geographical proximity?

answer: Maldives values ​​its relations with India and recognizes the importance of our geographical proximity and historical ties. Recent developments reflect a positive side to our bilateral relations and we are committed to fostering a cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership. I believe that this will become clear to everyone at the end of this journey. While it is essential for the Maldives to diversify its international relations and reduce excessive dependence on any one country, we are dedicated to maintaining a strong and strategic partnership with India while ensuring that our policies are in the best interests of our nation. and contribute to regional stability. In my inaugural address in November 2017, I made this very clear. My policy is ‘Maldives First’ policy. For me Maldives will always come first. But respect for our neighbors and friends is in our DNA. Indians are always welcome in Maldives, Indians in Maldives continue to grow and are safe and happy. Indians contribute positively to Maldivian society. Indian tourists are welcome in Maldives.