Shahid urges for respectful politics in Maldives-India ties
With Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to arrive in the Maldives for a two-day official state visit on July 25–26, Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) President and former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has issued a strong and thoughtful call for unity, regional respect, and political maturity in Malé’s approach to foreign diplomacy, especially in its relationship with India.
During an interview for an Indian news channel, Asian News International, 'ANI', Shahid emphasized that the visit comes at a critical juncture, following months of diplomatic strain that saw a dip in Indian tourist arrivals and tension between the two governments.
Despite these developments, Shahid remains optimistic that the Indian Prime Minister’s visit marks a fresh chapter in bilateral ties.
It is important that we in Maldives recognise that true friendship requires Maldivian political parties and leadership not to use our neighbouring countries as a punching bag for political convenience. The ground reality hits us quickly, easily and that is what we are seeing,
he said
He highlighted that India's support has remained unwavering, especially during times of national emergency or financial distress.
India, he noted, has consistently stood as the Maldives' first responder, a fact that stems not just from geography but also from the depth of goodwill between the peoples of the two nations.
The relationship between Maldives and India has always demonstrated that India is the first responder. Whenever we dial the international line, India responds first, because Indian people have a big heart and they are always ready to assist Maldives in the neighbourhood,
said Shahid
Shahid praised India’s maturity in maintaining steady aid and diplomatic ties even in the face of political turbulence, stating that India’s focus remained on the people-to-people connection rather than temporary political rhetoric.
The increase in aid by the Indian government shows the generosity and maturity. Despite the diplomatic tension, India decided that the relationship is between people-to-people and governments change, political parties in power change but the relationship has never changed.
he stated
Touching on the economic implications of the strain, Shahid lamented the decline in Indian tourist arrivals and called for pragmatic engagement with India’s thriving economy.
There is a huge market just next door to us. It is only natural that we tap into the economic boom that is taking place in India. It was unfortunate that there was a dip in Indian tourism. But I think the PM's visit this time will put everything right.
he said
Shahid also lauded the current Maldivian administration for recognising India’s goodwill, expressing hope that the upcoming visit would help dispel past misunderstandings and realign Maldives’ diplomatic priorities.
Looking ahead to Independence Day celebrations, Shahid said Prime Minister Modi’s presence as Guest of Honour signifies a deeper shift in bilateral cooperation, linking the visit to a symbolic reversal of prior narratives that cast India in a negative light.
This goes beyond symbolism because recently we have had very unfortunate diplomatic strain, because of the narrative that the current government used during the elections. What they had been saying and what they had been promoting is not true.
he stated
Despite past missteps, Shahid’s message was clear: the Maldives must not repeat the mistake of politicising its friendships, instead, the country should embrace long-term cooperation, especially with trusted partners like India, who have consistently acted in goodwill.
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