New Delhi: India on Friday flatly rejected claims by a US newspaper that India interfered in the Maldives political affairs and tried to oust Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu due to his alleged pro-China stance. India’s Ministry of External Affairs said both the newspaper and the reporter in question appear to nurse a hostility towards India.
“Both the newspaper (Washington Post) and the reporter in question appear to nurse a compulsive hostility towards India. You can see a pattern in their activities. I leave you to judge their credibility. As far as we are concerned, they have none,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesman for India’s External Affairs Ministry.
Ex-PM Nasheed also rejects coup plot
Earlier, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed had also rejected the Washington Post report and said he was not aware of any such serious plot against the President Muizzu. The Post report alleged that Maldives Opposition sought $6 million to hatch a plot to oust Mohamed Muizzu.
Nasheed wrote on X saying, “I read with interest today’s Washington Post 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.”
Mohamed Muizzu who s being perceived as pro-China, won 66 parliamentary seats in April 2024 elections in Maldives securing a majority.
On Sheikh Hasina extradition
On a question about Bangladesh seeking former PM Sheikh Hasina’s extradition, the foreign Ministry spokesman said that they had confirmed the development that India had received a letter seeking former PM’s extradition. “Beyond this, we don’t want to say anything,” said Jaiswal.
MEA on Nimisha Priya
India’s External Affairs Ministry also said that they are closely following the issue of Nimisha Priya, who was sentenced to death for allegedly killing her business partner in Yemen.
“We are closely following the developments around the sentencing of Nimisha Priya. The government is extending all possible help in the matter,” said Randhir Jaiswal.
