Former President Mohamed Nasheed has warned that expanding military cooperation between the Maldives and Pakistan risks provoking India and jeopardising national security.
Nasheed made the comments amid the recent signing of multiple agreements, including a military memorandum of understanding, during President Mohamed Muizzu's state visit to Pakistan. He argued that the current administration's shifting foreign policy is involving the Maldives in unnecessary regional tensions.
India has indicated it is monitoring the strengthening of Maldives-Pakistan relations and will take necessary measures in response. The development comes after India recently extended substantial financial support to the Maldives.
Nasheed has previously criticised the government for inconsistent external relations that he says lack a clear strategic direction. Opposition figures have called for greater scrutiny of the defence agreements and their implications for the country's long-standing ties with India.
The Maldives has historically maintained close security and economic links with India while seeking balanced relations with other partners.
