Former Maldivian Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid — also a former President of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and former President of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) — has publicly praised India as the only country providing substantial assistance to the Maldives, while criticising the current government of President Mohamed Muizzu for damaging the island nation's international standing. Shahid made the remarks in an interview with SSTV, as reported by Maldives-based Sun Online on 24 October 2026.

India Singled Out as the Real Supporter

'Apart from India, what assistance has been secured from any other foreign country? It is still India that continues to provide aid,' Shahid said, according to the report. His remarks come amid ongoing financial pressures on Malé and a diplomatic environment that has seen the Maldives court multiple foreign partners with limited success.

Shahid argued that a sound foreign policy must rest on two immovable realities: geography and history. 'The first is our neighbors; regardless of preference, they remain where they are. The second is our history; no matter the attempt to alter it, history remains constant. Attempting to change these two realities leads to a misguided path,' he said.

Sharp Criticism of the Muizzu Government

Shahid levelled pointed criticism at the Muizzu administration, alleging it had started its term by stoking tensions with the international community and had attempted to play China and India against each other. He recalled that senior figures in the current government had worn 'India Out' T-shirts and ridiculed Prime Minister Narendra Modi while in opposition — only to turn to India for financial assistance after assuming power.

He also said President Muizzu's numerous foreign visits had yielded no tangible results, and that several investment forums organised by the government had failed to attract foreign investors. Shahid attributed this to a credibility deficit: other countries, he argued, had observed how the Maldives treated India and drawn their own conclusions.

Erosion of International Trust

According to Shahid, the Maldives had damaged its image as a reliable partner through frequent policy shifts driven by short-term political interests. 'Other countries had watched how the Maldives treated India, and the inconsistency had eroded international trust,' the report noted, paraphrasing his remarks. The pattern of reversals — from aggressive anti-India posturing to seeking aid — had, in his view, made it harder for Malé to attract credible long-term partners.

This comes amid a broader context: ties between India and the Maldives were significantly strained in the early months of the Muizzu government after senior officials made derogatory remarks about Prime Minister Modi, triggering calls in India for a boycott of the island nation.

How Relations Have Since Recovered

Relations have since improved noticeably. President Muizzu has visited India twice, and Prime Minister Modi travelled to the Maldives as the guest of honour at its Independence Day celebrations. Analysts have noted that the turnaround underscores the structural reality Shahid himself highlighted: for the Maldives, India's proximity and historical ties make it an indispensable partner regardless of domestic political rhetoric.

Whether Shahid's public intervention shapes the ruling party's recalibration — or merely reflects growing opposition momentum — will be a key indicator to watch in the months ahead.