The Maldivian government has refuted claims made by Indian High Commissioner G. Balasubramanian that a decision had been reached to establish an Indian consulate in Addu City.
The Indian Cabinet approved the establishment of a consulate in Addu in 2021; however, the plan has yet to be implemented. In a recent interview with "Maldives Independent," the High Commissioner said that the decision to open the consulate had been finalized during high-level discussions between the leaders of both nations.
"The Government of Maldives has not yet made a decision regarding the establishment of a foreign consulate on any island other than Male' City. Furthermore, the government believes that such a decision can only be reached following extensive consultations involving all relevant stakeholders," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated today.
The government also denied reports suggesting that a decision had been made to establish a Maldivian consulate in Bengaluru, India.
During President Mohamed Muizzu’s state visit to India in October 2024, discussions regarding the establishment of consulates were held with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
At the time the proposal was first introduced, leaders of the then-opposition PPM/PNC coalition—who are now in power—vocalized strong opposition to the establishment of an Indian consulate in Addu. They also spearheaded a campaign under the slogan "Save Addu."
Several individuals who were prominent voices against the establishment of the consulate currently serve in the Muizzu administration’s cabinet.
