As Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu pledged to deepen the "close and historic" relationship with India during his recent visit, a parliamentary committee back home has launched an inquiry into three agreements signed by his predecessor, Ibrahim Solih. The committee alleges these agreements potentially compromise the Maldives' sovereignty.
The agreements under scrutiny include a pact for hydrographic surveys conducted by the Indian Navy in Maldivian waters, another for the construction of the Uthuru Thilafalhu dockyard with Indian grant assistance, and a third concerning a Dornier aircraft gifted by India for humanitarian and rescue operations.
"The National Security Services Committee of the parliament has decided to conduct a parliamentary inquiry to investigate actions undertaken by President Solih's administration that undermined the sovereignty and independence of the Maldives," stated MP Ahmed Azaan, initiating the probe.
The Muizzu government had previously announced its decision not to renew the hydrographic survey agreement with the Indian Navy. Despite this, President Muizzu participated in Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony and met with Indian President Droupadi Murmu, expressing gratitude for India's ongoing support to the Maldives.
"He conveyed that he looks forward to further strengthening existing relations," stated the President's office.
This development comes on the heels of a social media controversy involving offensive remarks by three deputy ministers against Prime Minister Modi's posts celebrating the natural beauty of Lakshadweep islands.
Former Presidents Ibrahim Solih and Mohamed Nasheed strongly condemned the ministers' comments, highlighting the delicate balance the Muizzu government must strike between strengthening ties with India and maintaining national sovereignty.
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