'Apologise To PM Modi, Indian People': Maldives Oppn Leader Asks Pro-China President Muizzu

Maldives-India Row: The diplomatic fallout and the subsequent impact on the tourism sector of the island country have sparked political opposition in the Maldives. Apparently, on Tuesday, the Maldives Jumhooree Party (JP), an opposition party, urged President Muizzu to apologise to PM Modi and the people of India formally. JP chief Qasim Ibrahim also commended Muizzu's predecessor, Solih, for recognising the importance of the India-Maldives relationship.

"Regarding any country, especially a neighbouring one, we shouldn't speak in a way that affects the relationship. We have an obligation to our state that must be considered. President Solih did consider this obligation and issued a Presidential Decree banning the "India Out" campaign. Now, Yameen is questioning why Muizzu, who participated with him in the India Out Campaign, has not nullified the Presidential Decree," he said.

He added, "The Decree should not be nullified, as it would only result in a loss to the nation. That cannot be done. I would tell Muizzu that it shouldn't be done. Also, I call on President Muizzu to formally apologize to the Indian government and Prime Minister Modi regarding his remarks after the China trip."

Earlier last year, then Maldives President Ibrahim Solih signed a decree stating that the opposition's 'India Out' campaign is a "threat to national security". This allows security agencies to take down campaign banners and provides constitutional cover to take action against opposition parties.

The opposition, led by former president Abdulla Yameen of the Progressive Party of Maldives (PPM) was spearheading an 'India Out' campaign for over the last year propagating the unproven claim that Indian military officers stationed in the Indian Ocean island nation are a violation of Maldives' sovereignty.

The campaign's implicit target was then Maldivian President Solih and the Maldivian Democratic Party, both perceived as close to India.

Notably, Solih was one of the prominent Maldives leaders to condemn the derogatory remarks made by some junior ministers, leading to a diplomatic standoff between the two nations. India and the Maldives on January 14 "agreed to fast-track the withdrawal of Indian military personnel" from the island nation, according to the Maldives' Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(With ANI Inputs)