President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu claimed his anti-India pledges were made to win last year's presidential election, Sri Lanka’s former President Ranil Wickremesinghe has said.
Ranil, who lost Sri Lanka's presidential election this week, made the remarks in an exclusive interview with India's First Post on September 19.
"He is certainly more friendly with India now," Ranil said.
In reference to India, Ranil said that Muizzu told him after the elections that "he had to make some promises in the election. That’s what he had to do."
"I was there in person when Mr. Modi was sworn in and I found the chemistry between them having really improved," Ranil said about how the relationship between Muizzu and Modi has changed since last year's polls.
When Firstpost’s Managing Editor Palki Sharma asked if he thinks Muizzu has heeded his advice to "go slow" in his approach towards India, Ranil said, "He is certainly more friendly with India now."
India Out pledges and changed policies
The ruling People's National Congress (PNC) coalition, which was in opposition from 2018 to 2023, was the biggest voice against the former Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) government's relationship with India. The coalition held several large rallies and demonstrations in the India Out campaign. President Muizzu had also participated in these events.
Some key pledges connected to the India Out campaign were also made during the presidential election. These include the removal of Indian soldiers and cancelling the "secretive" agreements signed with India.
During interviews with international media, Muizzu referred to false local media reports that thousands of Indian soldiers were stationed in the Maldives. Even after assuming office, he verbally attacked India by describing the country as a bully.
However, after a few months in power, the government's tone against India has now changed. President Muizzu and the PNC coalition have not delivered on any promises related to India.
The Indian helicopters and the Dornier aircraft have not been returned and have been put back in operation recently. Discussions were held to remove Indian soldiers, but they were replaced by members of the Hindustan Aeronautics Company which is under the Indian Defence Ministry. But the government claims to have succeeded in removing the 77 Indian soldiers from the Maldives.
Meanwhile, the issue of the agreements had been pending at the Parliament's committee stage for three months and some ruling party MPs told Adhadhu that the issue had been parked on the orders of President Muizzu.
After insulting India at the beginning of his administration, President Muizzu is now trying to mend relations with India and seek financial help.
