Maldives President Muizzu reaffirms ties with India, calls for debt relief months after demanding withdrawal of troops

livemint.com:

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has extended an olive branch, asserting India's crucial role as the Maldives' "closest ally", PTI reported. In a recent interview with local media, Muizzu emphasised the need for continued support from India, particularly in addressing the Maldives' debt burden. "India will continue to remain the Maldives’ closest ally, there is no question about it," he told local Dhivehi language publication 'Mihaaru' in an interview — his first one since assuming office last November.

Excerpts of the interview were also carried in sister publication Edition.mv, as per PTI. At the close of last year, the Maldives was indebted to India to the tune of around $400.9 million, highlighting the significance of financial cooperation between the two nations. Muizzu's reconciliatory stance follows a period of tension marked by demands for the repatriation of Indian military personnel from the island nation in December 2023 and a perceived tilt towards China since assuming office in November of that year.

Acknowledging India's pivotal role in aiding the Maldives, Muizzu stressed the importance of ongoing projects facilitated by India and expressed gratitude for their contributions. With the weight of substantial loans from India burdening the Maldivian economy, Muizzu appealed for leniency in loan repayment terms, seeking to ease the financial strain on his nation. India has been providing humanitarian and medical evacuation services to the people of the Maldives for the last few years using two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft.