India Supported Plot To Oust Mohamed Muizzu In Maldives?

India Supported Plot To Oust Mohamed Muizzu: Politicians from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) allegedly sought USD 6 million from India in an attempt to impeach Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, according to a report published by The Washington Post. This report, based on an internal document titled ‘Democratic Renewal Initiative’, outlines plans to bribe as many as 40 members of the Maldivian Parliament, including some from Muizzu’s own party, to secure the votes necessary for his impeachment. However, the report also states that the plan did not materialize.

Allegations of a Conspiracy

The document accessed by The Washington Post details a scheme where opposition politicians proposed bribing parliament members to facilitate Muizzu’s removal. The conspirators sought approximately 87 million Maldivian rufiyaa, equivalent to USD 6 million, which they intended to request from India. The report claims that discussions began as early as January 2024, involving individuals linked to India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). While two unnamed Maldivian officials confirmed that discussions took place, they also noted that the impeachment plan failed to gather sufficient parliamentary support.

Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed denied any knowledge of such a plot against Muizzu and asserted that India would never support such a move. He emphasized that India has consistently backed Maldives’ democracy and has never dictated terms to the opposition.

India Supported Plot To Oust Mohamed Muizzu: Role of External Influences

The internal document purportedly included plans to pay off senior military and police officials and enlist the help of three influential criminal gangs in the Maldives to ensure Muizzu’s ouster. The allegations have raised concerns about foreign interference in Maldivian politics, particularly given the historical context of India-Maldives relations.

Muizzu, who leads the People’s National Congress (PNC) and is known for his pro-China stance, won a decisive victory in the Maldivian parliamentary elections held in April 2024. His party secured 66 out of 86 seats in the 93-member House. This significant majority has made it challenging for the opposition to successfully initiate impeachment proceedings against him.

Political Context and Tensions

The political landscape in the Maldives has been tumultuous since Muizzu took office in November 2023. His administration initially adopted an “India Out” agenda, calling for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the country. This stance led to increased tensions between India and the Maldives, especially following inflammatory remarks made by some of Muizzu’s deputies regarding Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, a shift toward reconciliation emerged during Muizzu’s five-day visit to India in October 2024. During this visit, he underscored the importance of India-Maldives relations and highlighted India’s role in supporting the Maldives’ socio-economic development. The two countries signed a currency swap agreement aimed at stabilizing the Maldivian economy, marking a reset in bilateral ties.

Implications for Future Relations

The allegations surrounding the impeachment plot add another layer of complexity to India-Maldives relations. While former President Nasheed dismissed claims of Indian involvement in any conspiracy against Muizzu, the situation raises questions about how external influences may impact domestic politics in the Maldives.

As political tensions continue to simmer, it remains unclear whether any senior government officials in India were aware of or approved discussions regarding Muizzu’s potential impeachment. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has yet to respond to inquiries about these claims.

Conclusion: A Critical Moment for Maldivian Politics

The unfolding political drama in the Maldives highlights significant challenges for President Muizzu and his administration. With allegations of bribery and foreign interference swirling around his presidency, he faces increasing scrutiny both domestically and internationally.

As opposition parties seek ways to challenge his leadership, it will be crucial for Muizzu to navigate these turbulent waters carefully. Strengthening ties with India while addressing internal dissent will be vital for his administration’s stability moving forward.
In summary, while the alleged plot against President Muizzu did not materialize, it underscores ongoing tensions within Maldivian politics and raises important questions about external influence in domestic affairs. As both India and Maldives work towards rebuilding their relationship, developments in this situation will be closely watched by regional observers.