The Washington Post has claimed that Maldives’ opposition attempted to solicit assistance from Indian intelligence agency RAW to topple the incumbent administration of President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu. According to the report, the opposition’s discussions with RAW agents began in January, during a period of heightened tension between the two countries.
The report highlights a covert plan named the “Democratic Renewal Initiative,” which allegedly involved bribing 40 members of parliament, including members of the Progressive National Congress (PNC), to pass a no-confidence motion against President Muizzu. The plan reportedly extended to paying ten senior officers of the Maldives Police Service and Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF), as well as three prominent gangs in the Maldives, to support the effort.
The Washington Post states it obtained a copy of this document, which detailed a USD 6 million (approximately MVR 92.5 million) budget for the operation, with the funds allegedly expected from India. Despite months of secret planning, the initiative reportedly failed due to an insufficient number of MPs willing to support the motion.
The report names two Indian intermediaries, Savio Rodrigues, a former BJP spokesperson, and Shirish Thorat, a former Indian police officer and private military contractor. Thorat, who previously advised on religious extremism during President Mohamed Nasheed’s administration, acknowledged the plan’s existence but did not confirm acting officially on behalf of the Indian government.
Thorat told the Washington Post, “Intelligence is part of foreign policy. And in foreign policy, there will be a Plan A, a Plan B, and a Plan C. Sometimes, if one way doesn’t work, attempts would be made with alternative options.”
However, the RAW agent stationed in the Maldives reportedly declined to act against President Muizzu early in his administration, according to a Maldivian politician with ties to the Indian High Commission.
The report also alleges significant Indian efforts to maintain the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) in power before President Muizzu’s election. The Indian High Commissioner reportedly urged reconciliation between former President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and Nasheed, which culminated in high-level talks facilitated by Indian officials at the Kurumba resort.
Additionally, the report claims that numerous Indian nationals arrived in the Maldives to assist in Solih’s campaign, staying in a dedicated floor of Mookai Hotel. Despite these efforts, President Muizzu ultimately won the election, pledging to reduce Indian military presence in the Maldives.
The Post indicates that President Muizzu was informed about the alleged plot and took proactive measures to counter it, successfully convincing 11 MDP MPs to join the PNC. The administration has since aimed to improve Maldives-India relations despite the initial strained circumstances.
In response to the Washington Post article, Savio Rodrigues posted on the X platform:
“I am a soldier without a uniform. I live for my country. If need be, I will die for Bharat Mata. There are no ifs and buts to my job. Neither am I intimidated nor ashamed of my work to keep all existential threats far from my nation.”
Both the Indian Foreign Ministry and Maldives’ Presidential Communications Minister Ibrahim Khaleel declined to comment on the allegations.
The report underscores the volatile dynamics between the Maldives and India, raising questions about the role of foreign influence in domestic politics and the integrity of democratic processes.
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