The government and former President Mohamed Nasheed have taken differing positions on how foreign policy should be discussed publicly, following remarks by Nasheed on the Maldives’ relations with foreign countries and the recent diplomatic fallout with Mauritius.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement urging individuals who have held senior state positions to exercise caution when making public remarks that could affect the Maldives’ relations with foreign nations. The ministry said statements on foreign policy, regional security and international relations could carry serious consequences, particularly when made by former senior officials.
The statement followed comments by Nasheed after his participation in the Indian Ocean Dialogue in India, where he said Mauritius was willing to repair relations with the Maldives after diplomatic tensions linked to the Chagos issue. Nasheed said he had met the Mauritian foreign minister and discussed the possibility of a peaceful resolution. He also urged the government to use the opportunity to improve ties.
The Foreign Ministry said the protection of sovereignty, promotion of national interests and safeguarding of human rights remain central to the Maldives’ foreign policy. It said President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s foreign policy is guided by the principle of putting the Maldives first, and that the country’s external relations are shaped through established institutional systems.
The ministry added that public discussions on such matters should be based on facts, promote national unity and strengthen confidence in Maldivian institutions. It said the Maldives would continue to build bilateral and multilateral partnerships while maintaining a foreign policy that reflects the sovereignty and dignity of the Maldivian people.
Nasheed responded by defending the opposition’s right to review and criticise government policy, including foreign policy. In a post on X, he said scrutinising government decisions is one of the main responsibilities of an opposition political party.
He also said the Maldives belongs to all Maldivian citizens, not only to the current administration. Referring to a recent opinion poll, Nasheed said President Dr Muizzu’s government had support below 30 percent, and argued that the government must use financial assistance and loans from friendly countries responsibly.
The exchange comes amid wider political debate over the government’s management of foreign relations, particularly with India and Mauritius. Nasheed has also criticised the government’s handling of foreign aid and loans, claiming that support extended by partner countries is not being used responsibly.
Mauritius severed diplomatic relations with the Maldives after Malé objected to the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer ownership of the Chagos Islands. The government has maintained that its position is based on protecting the Maldives’ highest national interests.
The dispute reflects a broader tension between institutional control over foreign policy and the role of opposition figures in publicly challenging government decisions. While the government has framed caution as necessary to protect national interests, Nasheed has argued that criticism of foreign policy remains a legitimate part of democratic accountability.
