Muizzu could stir up anti-India campaign again: Former Maldives Minister Abdullah Shahid

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s recent two‑day trip to Pakistan has reignited a political feud that could shape the archipelago’s next electoral cycle. While the visit was framed by the president’s office as a step towards diversifying the country’s foreign partnerships, opposition figures warned it could be used to stoke anti‑Indian sentiment ahead of the 2028 presidential contest. In a televised interview, former foreign minister Abdulla Shahid, who has announced his intention to run for the presidency, accused Muizzu of preparing a “narrative of hate” that would divert public attention from pressing domestic issues.Shahid, a veteran diplomat who served as the Maldives’ foreign minister from 2015 to 2018 and chaired the United Nations General Assembly in 2021, said the president’s engagement with Pakistan was “nothing more than a political stunt.” He argued that the timing of the trip, which coincided with growing concerns over India’s influence in Maldivian affairs, was designed to portray New Delhi as a threat to national sovereignty..

“We have seen a pattern of using external actors to create a climate of fear,” Shahid said, adding that “the people of Maldives deserve a debate based on policies, not on manufactured enmities.”The president’s office dismissed the criticism as “baseless political rhetoric” and highlighted the practical outcomes of the Pakistan visit. According to a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muizzu met with Pakistani President Arif Alvi and secured agreements on maritime security cooperation, tourism promotion, and the export of Maldivian fish products to Pakistani markets. The statement also noted that the talks included discussions on climate resilience, a priority for both nations given their vulnerability to sea‑level rise.Analysts say the diplomatic pivot could be part of a broader strategy by Muizzu to reduce the Maldives’ economic reliance on India, which has traditionally been the country’s largest trading partner and source of development assistance..

Over the past year, India has increased its presence in the Indian Ocean through infrastructure projects, naval exercises, and capacity‑building programs in the Maldives. The Muizzu administration, which came to power in 2023 on a platform of “self‑reliance” and “balanced foreign policy,” has signalled a desire to broaden its network of allies, including China, Japan and now Pakistan.China’s role in the Maldives remains a point of contention. While Beijing has invested heavily in the country’s tourism sector and pledged to fund a new international airport, critics argue that such projects could create a debt trap and compromise national security..

The president’s recent outreach to Pakistan, a long‑time ally of China, may be viewed through that lens. However, Muizzu’s team insists that the Maldives is pursuing a “multi‑vector” approach, seeking partnerships that respect its sovereignty and contribute to sustainable development.Domestic response to the Pakistan visit has been mixed. Opposition parties, including the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) and the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), have organized rallies condemning the president’s “anti‑India rhetoric.” In contrast, civil‑society groups focused on environmental protection have praised the new maritime cooperation agreement, noting that joint patrols could help combat illegal fishing and protect coral reefs..

“We welcome any effort that strengthens our ability to safeguard marine resources,” said Aisha Ibrahim, director of the Oceanic Conservation Network, a non‑governmental organization based in Malé.The political stakes are heightened by the proximity of the upcoming 2028 presidential election, for which Shahid has positioned himself as a reformist alternative to the incumbent. In his interview, Shahid warned that “creating a narrative of hate” could distract voters from critical issues such as unemployment, rising living costs, and the ongoing housing shortage. He urged the electorate to scrutinise promises of foreign aid and infrastructure projects, arguing that transparency and accountability should be the cornerstones of any future administration.International observers have noted that the Maldives, with its strategic location along the Indian Ocean’s main shipping lanes, often finds itself at the centre of great‑power competition..

The United States, India, and China have all vied for influence, offering aid, military training, and investment in exchange for access to ports and airfields. Pakistan’s involvement adds another layer to this geopolitical mosaic, potentially reshaping the balance of power in the region. “The Maldives is a small nation, but its diplomatic choices have outsized implications for regional stability,” said Dr..

Ramesh Singh, a senior fellow at the Institute for South Asian Studies.In the days following Muizzu’s return, the president’s office announced a series of domestic initiatives aimed at bolstering the economy, including a new housing scheme for low‑income families and a tax incentive package for small‑scale entrepreneurs. Critics argue that these measures are “window‑dressing” meant to offset the backlash from his foreign policy moves. Shahid, however, called them “welcome steps” while urging the government to implement them swiftly and without bureaucratic delay..

“If the president is serious about development, he must ensure that promises translate into tangible benefits for ordinary citizens,” he said.As the Maldives heads toward a pivotal election, the interplay between foreign policy and domestic politics is set to dominate public discourse. Whether President Muizzu’s outreach to Pakistan will translate into lasting economic partnerships or become a flashpoint for anti‑Indian sentiment remains uncertain. What is clear, according to political commentators, is that the next election will be judged not only on the administration’s handling of the economy and climate challenges, but also on how it navigates the delicate balance of external influences without alienating its largest regional neighbour..

The outcome will likely determine the Maldives’ strategic orientation for the decade ahead..