Maldives needs strong ties with India for prosperity

Former President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed, emphasized the importance of strong ties with India during an interview at the Raisina Dialogue 2025. He stated that the safety, security, and prosperity of the Maldives depend on maintaining good relations with India. Nasheed highlighted that the country cannot afford to have poor ties with its larger neighbor. He acknowledged that there was a turbulent phase when President Mohamed Muizzu took office, initially leaning towards China. Despite this, Nasheed remains optimistic. He noted that new leaders generally realize the importance of positive relations with India and adjust their foreign policies accordingly. He also expressed that anti-India sentiments are not widely held among the Maldivian population. Discussing the Maldives' relationship with China, Nasheed warned about the dangers of falling into debt. He pointed out that while China has invested in infrastructure projects in the Maldives, these have led to significant debt distress for the nation. He stated that heavy debt is generally unpopular, making it difficult for the current government to justify its pro-China stance. Nasheed participated in a panel discussion about culture, connectivity, and tourism. He shared insights on the Maldives' tourism industry, which has been a key driver of economic growth since the 1970s. He remarked that during the COVID-19 pandemic, many began to work remotely from the Maldives, which helped boost local infrastructure. Nasheed concluded by stressing the importance of preserving the environment in tourism, saying that it should be seen as a product to be protected.