The Washington Post has published a detailed report alleging that members of the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) sought $6 million from India as part of a failed scheme to impeach Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu earlier this year. The alleged plot, outlined in an internal document titled "Democratic Renewal Initiative," detailed plans to bribe as many as 40 members of parliament, including several from Muizzu’s own party, the People’s National Congress (PNC). The document also included provisions to pay senior military and police officials and reportedly sought the involvement of three influential criminal gangs in the Maldives to orchestrate Muizzu's removal from office.
The report claims that by January 2024, individuals connected to India’s intelligence agency, the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), began covert discussions with Maldivian opposition leaders to explore the feasibility of removing President Muizzu. Within weeks, a plan emerged, but despite months of behind-the-scenes negotiations and strategic maneuvering, the plot failed to secure the required parliamentary support for an impeachment vote. According to the report, the conspirators estimated the cost of the operation to be 87 million Maldivian rufiyaa, or approximately $6 million, which they planned to request from India.
However, the report also noted that there is no evidence to suggest that the plan was sanctioned or supported by senior Indian government officials. Two unnamed Maldivian officials confirmed to the US daily that while discussions did occur, the plot ultimately failed to materialize. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has not yet responded to the allegations.
Reacting to the report, former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed dismissed the claims of Indian involvement, stating that India has always respected Maldivian sovereignty and supported its democratic processes. Nasheed further clarified in a tweet, “I was unaware of any serious plot against the President, though some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives's democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either.”
President Mohamed Muizzu, who leads the PNC and is known for his pro-China stance, won the Maldivian parliamentary elections earlier this year with a sweeping majority, securing 66 of the 86 contested seats in the 93-member house. Muizzu’s initial tenure was marked by his “India Out” campaign, which called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives. Tensions further escalated in January when inflammatory comments were made about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi by three of Muizzu’s former deputies.
Despite these early challenges, there has been a noticeable shift in Maldives-India relations. During President Muizzu’s five-day visit to India in October 2024, he acknowledged India’s vital role in the Maldives’ socio-economic and infrastructure development. Following a bilateral meeting with PM Modi, Muizzu stated, “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.” The visit culminated in the signing of a currency swap agreement aimed at stabilizing the Maldives’ struggling economy, signaling a potential reset in bilateral ties.
The allegations detailed in The Washington Post report, if verified, could strain the recently improved relations between India and the Maldives. However, the diplomatic overtures made during Muizzu’s visit to India underscore the importance of maintaining a stable and mutually beneficial partnership for both nations. As the Maldives navigates internal political challenges and geopolitical dynamics, its relations with India will likely remain a key factor in shaping the nation’s future.
This episode highlights the complex interplay of domestic politics, international relations, and regional security in the Maldives, a strategically located island nation in the Indian Ocean. The implications of these developments extend beyond the Maldives, potentially affecting broader regional stability and India’s efforts to counter growing Chinese influence in South Asia. For now, the alleged impeachment plot remains a controversial episode that underscores the challenges of balancing domestic political ambitions with international partnerships.
