India considers position as pro-China leader Mohammed Muizzu becomes new Maldives President

Maldives President-elect Mohammed Muizzu may give India a headache in its southern neighbourhood in the backdrop of his pro-China leanings and "India out" campaign.

However, the new Maldivian President may not be able to push out India's footprints from the archipelago given the historical development partnership and New Delhi's role as the first responder in a crisis.

Muizzu was the proxy candidate for jailed former president Abdullah Yameen and may revive China's footprints in Maldives, according to Maldives watchers. As minister in the earlier regime, Muizzu oversaw several Chinese-funded infrastructure projects in the country, including a $200m bridge linking the capital with the archipelago's main airport. He told Chinese Communist Party officials during an online meeting last year that his party's return to office would expand the 'strong ties between our two countries.'


In the run-up to the polls, Muizzu did not engage with India despite attempts made by New Delhi.

Muizzu holds a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of Leeds in the UK. He was the minister of housing in Yameen's Cabinet.

Muizzu may not clamp down on all India-funded projects initiated during the last five years that have benefited the local population, according to Maldives watchers. What may slow down is India's defence partnership, feared one of the observers. India also has deep stakes in form of India-Maldives-Sri Lanka-Mauritius NSA-level dialogue that focuses on countering terror and keeping the region stable.


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was quick to congratulate Muizzu. Taking to social media X, he said, "Congratulations and greetings to @MMuizzu on being elected as President of the Maldives. India remains committed to strengthening the time-tested India-Maldives bilateral relationship and enhancing our overall cooperation in the Indian Ocean Region."

India is keeping a close watch on the developments and an upcoming referendum to introduce a parliamentary form of government in Maldives that may make Muizzu a ceremonial figure if successful. However, it is uncertain yet if Muizzu agrees to accept the referendum.

Sources told ET that a major cause for Muizzu's victory was a disinformation campaign launched by his team against Solih.

The other reason being Nasheed's decision to field a proxy candidate that cut into Solih's vote.