Former President Mohamed Nasheed has warned that closer military ties between the Maldives and Pakistan could provoke India and harm Maldivian security and economic interests.
In comments published by Adhadhu and shared on social media, Nasheed argued that President Muizzu’s visit to Pakistan and the agreements signed during it place the country on a geopolitical tightrope. He said strategic autonomy requires careful management of relations with both regional powers.
Nasheed noted that the Maldives has historically relied on India for emergency assistance and development support. He cautioned that visible expansion of defence cooperation with Pakistan might be interpreted in New Delhi as a shift that reduces Maldivian room for manoeuvre.
The government has described its foreign policy as balanced and aimed at securing the country’s interests. Opposition figures continue to call for greater parliamentary oversight of the agreements.
The debate reflects long-running discussion over the Maldives’ position between India and other partners in the Indian Ocean.
