The leaders of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP), former President Mohamed Nasheed and former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, are both currently in the Indian capital, New Delhi.
Nasheed departed for Delhi on May 6 to attend a high-level meeting focused on Indian Ocean security and stability.
Solih arrived in Delhi yesterday. While the purpose of his visit remains unclear, some of his supporters have indicated on social media that he is traveling on an official capacity.
Nasheed is scheduled to return to Male’ today, where he is expected to brief the press at the airport upon arrival. A return date for Solih has not yet been confirmed.
Although both leaders are in Delhi simultaneously, it remains unknown whether they have met. Efforts to reach close associates of both Nasheed and Solih for comment were unsuccessful at the time of publication.
During their respective presidencies, both Nasheed and Solih maintained close diplomatic ties with India. In contrast, the incumbent President Mohamed Muizzu rose to power on an anti-India campaign and announced a roadmap to distance the Maldives from Indian influence.
Despite the Muizzu administration’s initial reluctance to engage with India, the government has been unable to completely sever ties due to economic mismanagement and a significant decline in the country's financial situation.
