Desk: India dismissed recent reports by The Washington Post, which alleged that the Maldivian opposition sought $6 million from India to oust President Mohamed Muizzu. Another report claimed that India’s intelligence agency, RAW (Research and Analysis Wing), was allegedly involved in targeted killings in Pakistan.
Responding to these allegations, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal questioned the credibility of the newspaper, stating, “This publication and the concerned journalists have demonstrated significant hostility toward India. Their actions follow a discernible pattern. I leave the credibility of this report to your judgment. For us, it holds no merit.”
The controversy stems from a Washington Post report citing a document called the “Democratic Renewal Initiative.” It claimed that Maldivian opposition politicians had proposed bribing 40 MPs, including those from Muizzu’s own party, to support an impeachment motion against the President. Despite months of secret discussions, the alleged conspirators reportedly failed to gather enough votes for impeachment.
Mohamed Nasheed, leader of the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and former President, also rejected the claims. “I have read the Washington Post article. I have no knowledge of any serious conspiracy against the President. While some people live in a world of conspiracy theories, India would never take such a step. It has always supported democracy in the Maldives and never imposed conditions on us,” Nasheed stated.
Regarding the allegations about RAW’s activities in Pakistan, the Washington Post alleged that the agency orchestrated a systematic assassination program since 2021, targeting at least half a dozen individuals. Dismissing this claim, Jaiswal referenced a statement by former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying, “You cannot keep snakes in your backyard and expect them to bite only your neighbors.”
India has firmly rejected both reports, reiterating its commitment to supporting democracy in neighboring nations and its opposition to baseless allegations.