Maldives Opposition Leader Tears into Muizzu's 'India Out' Policy

Abdulla Shahid urges a reset with India, slams Muizzu's anti-India stance, warns of debt trap with China, and calls for regional peace, cooperation, and renewed tourism ties.

- DEVIKA DIWAN

Maldives Opposition Leader and former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid spoke to News X/The Sunday Guardian. He sharply criticizes President Muizzu's 'India Out' policy. Shahid warned that alienating India, Maldives' long-standing and dependable partner, could jeopardize national security and regional cooperation. He called for rebuilding ties and restoring diplomatic balance in the Indian Ocean region. Below are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: Mr. Shahid, given your long and influential career at the heart of Maldivian politics, including your recent tenure as foreign minister and your known advocacy for strong Maldives-India ties, there are a lot of critical questions that I would hope for you to address. I want to begin by asking you a tougher question. There was an India Out campaign, which was significant and for many people, a deeply concerning chapter in Maldives-India relations. As someone who has consistently championed friendship with India, how personally challenging was it for you to witness that level of, what we can call, public animosity?