The issue of agreements signed by the former government with India has been parked at the Parliament's Security Services Committee (241 Committee) for more than one and a half years.
The matter was submitted by Hithadhoo Central MP Ahmed Azaan on June 9. A four-member sub-committee was formed on June 10. It was tasked with conducting inquiries into the Hydrography Agreement, Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) Agreement process and the Dornier aircraft agreement.
The sub-committee members are Dhiggaru MP Ahmed Nazim, Hanimaadhoo MP Abdul Ghafoor Moosa, Thulhaadhoo MP Abdul Hannan Aboobakuru and Azaan.
Some MPs from the ruling People's National Congress (PNC) told Adhadhu that the issue had been parked on the orders of President Mohamed Muizzu.
"When he learned that the issue had been submitted to the committee, the President called from abroad. He expressed concerns. So it has stalled," a PNC MP said.
"Why else? It is an issue that should be conducted in accordance with parliamentary rules. All other matters proceed as the President wishes. Only this issue has been stalled."
At the committee meeting after submitting the issue, Azaan said the people of the Maldives had voted for Muizzu in the presidential elections to ensure the independence and sovereignty of the country.
"One of the biggest responsibilities of this committee should be to investigate what we accused then, the things we claimed to come to power," Azaan said.
Muizzu pledged to disclose the agreements signed with India. But he has refused to fulfil the pledge and is attempting to forge closer ties with the neighbouring country.
Last year, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was appointed as the guest of honour for the Maldives Independence Day celebrations on July 26.
The Muizzu administration said it will disclose agreements with India and reform those that threaten national security.
The hydrography agreement was cancelled, while work on the remaining agreements has stalled for more than a year.
The administration later discussed extending the duration of the agreements for operating two helicopters and a Dornier aircraft donated to the Maldives by India.
The removal of the Indian troops based in the Maldives to operate the two helicopters and Dornier aircraft is Muizzu's biggest pledge. He said their presence in the country is a threat to national security.
Since assuming office in November 2023, several rounds of talks have been held between the two countries to remove the Indian soldiers. But under the final agreement, the uniformed soldiers were replaced by staff from Hindustan Aeronautics, which operates directly under the Indian Defence Ministry.
Meanwhile, former Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid refuted allegations of signing agreements that harm sovereignty.
Muizzu administration has also signed new agreements with India, which are not disclosed.
