Former Maldives Foreign Minister Abdulla Shahid has warned that President Mohamed Muizzu could revive the controversial “India Out” campaign ahead of the country's 2028 presidential election.
Shahid alleged that the President could use anti-India sentiment to divert public attention from unfulfilled development promises and mobilise political support.
In an interview with The Hindu, Shahid accused Muizzu of attempting to make India a political issue again as the next election approaches. His remarks have renewed concerns over the future of India-Maldives relations.
Pakistan Visit Raises Fresh Questions
Shahid's warning comes days after Muizzu's visit to Pakistan from October 20 to 22, 2026. During the visit, the two countries signed agreements covering areas including defence, maritime security, information technology, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.
The visit has prompted renewed discussion about the Maldives' foreign policy direction and its relations with India. Shahid has questioned the government's approach and stressed the importance of maintaining strong ties with its longstanding regional partners.
Background of the ‘India Out’ Campaign
The “India Out” campaign became a major political issue in the Maldives before the 2023 presidential election. Muizzu, who led the opposition campaign against the presence of Indian military personnel in the country, went on to win the election.
Relations between the two countries subsequently experienced tensions before diplomatic efforts helped improve ties. The possible return of anti-India rhetoric could once again make bilateral relations a prominent issue in Maldivian politics.
2028 Election Could Shape Bilateral Ties
Shahid, who is positioning himself within the opposition Maldivian Democratic Party ahead of the next election, has argued that domestic political concerns should not come at the expense of relations with India.
His warning highlights the potential role of foreign policy in the 2028 electoral contest. However, Muizzu has not been confirmed to have relaunched the “India Out” campaign, and Shahid's remarks remain a political assessment of what could happen before the election.
The coming months may prove significant in determining whether India-Maldives relations remain on a path of cooperation or become a renewed point of political contention.