Revealed: India’s Covert Plans to Remove Maldives’ President

Washington Post investigation uncovers secret Indian attempts to influence Maldivian politics.

A comprehensive investigation by The Washington Post has unveiled secretive efforts by India to unseat Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, citing his pro-China stance as a threat to New Delhi’s regional influence. The revelations expose how intelligence agents and political operatives proposed bribing parliamentarians and security officials to impeach Muizzu just months after his election.

The Maldives has long been a hotspot for geopolitical competition, given its location in the Indian Ocean. With strategic shipping lanes and proximity to major trade routes, the archipelago is vital to both India and China. Muizzu’s election in 2023 shifted the Maldives closer to Beijing, with his government exploring military pacts with China. This pivot has alarmed Indian policymakers, who fear Chinese naval installations could disrupt India’s maritime dominance.

The Washington Post obtained internal documents outlining an elaborate scheme termed the “Democratic Renewal Initiative.” The proposal involved a $6 million budget to bribe parliamentarians, influence military officers, and even enlist local gangs to support Muizzu’s impeachment. However, Indian officials expressed reservations about destabilizing the Maldives, ultimately abandoning the plan due to insufficient parliamentary backing.

India’s covert operations in the Maldives reflect its broader strategy to counter China’s growing influence in South Asia. Over the past decade, both nations have poured resources into the Maldives, offering financial aid and infrastructure projects to align with local leaders. The ongoing power struggle has divided Maldivian politics, with some factions leaning towards Beijing and others advocating closer ties with New Delhi.

The fallout from these revelations has sparked debate over India’s foreign policy tactics. While proponents argue that India must act decisively to safeguard its interests, critics warn that such interference could erode democratic norms and fuel anti-Indian sentiment in the Maldives. As the region grapples with these challenges, the Maldives remains a focal point in the complex geopolitical rivalry between Asia’s two giants.