Report links India to failed Maldivian opposition plot to oust Muizzu

Politicians from the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) allegedly sought USD 6 million from India in a plot to impeach Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year, according to a report published by The Washington Post on Monday.

The report, based on an internal document titled "Democratic Renewal Initiative", revealed detailed plans to bribe as many as 40 members of the Maldivian Parliament, including some from Muizzu's own party, to secure the votes needed for his impeachment.

The document, which the US daily claimed to have accessed, also included plans to pay several senior military and police officials and enlist the assistance of three influential criminal gangs in the country to ensure Muizzu's ouster from the President's office.

"In an internal document titled 'Democratic Renewal Initiative' obtained by The Washington Post, Maldivian opposition politicians proposed bribing 40 members of parliament, including those from Muizzu's own party (People's Congress), to vote to impeach him," the report stated.

"To pay off the various parties, the conspirators sought 87 million Maldivian rufiyaa, or $6 million, and according to two Maldivian officials, it would be sought from India," it added.

As per the document, by January 2024, individuals linked to India's intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), began discreet discussions with Maldivian opposition leaders to explore the possibility of removing Muizzu. Within weeks, a plan emerged, but despite months of covert talks, the idea failed to gather enough parliamentary support to execute the impeachment, the report claimed.

However, the media report also stated that it had no clarity on whether the plan was approved by senior government officials in Delhi, and if India considered backing the impeachment against Muizzu.

Two unnamed Maldivian officials confirmed to the US daily that while discussions took place, the plan did not materialise, it stated.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has not yet responded to the claims made by the US daily by the time this article was being drafted.

Meanwhile, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed denied having knowledge of such a plot against Muizzu and said India would never back such a move.

"I read with interest today's @washingtonpost article. I was unaware of any serious plot against the President; tho some ppl always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives' democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either," Nasheed said in a tweet.

People's Congress (PNC) chief and pro-China leader Mohamed Muizzu won the Parliamentary elections of the island nation with an absolute majority in April this year. In the elections held for the 93-member House, Muizzu's party bagged 66 out of the 86 seats.

INDIA-MALDIVES TIES

Relations between India and Maldives have seen significant turns over the past few years. Last November, when Muizzu took office, Male appeared to draw closer to China's sphere of influence.

Under his "India Out" agenda, Muizzu initially called for the withdrawal of over 80 Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives to operate three aircraft. The situation further deteriorated in January 2024, when inflammatory remarks were made about Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three of Muizzu's former deputies.

However, a shift toward reconciliation emerged during President Muizzu's five-day visit to India in October this year. In an effort to mend ties, he underscored the importance of India-Maldives relations, highlighting India's vital role in the Maldives' socio-economic and infrastructure development.

"India is a key partner in the socio-economic and infrastructure development of the Maldives and has stood by us during our times of need," President Muizzu had said after a bilateral meeting with PM Modi.

Muizzu's New Delhi marked a reset in bilateral ties, with both nations signing a currency swap agreement aimed at bolstering the island nation's ailing economy.