Former President and founder of the Democrats, Mohamed Nasheed, who has close ties to India, has said that India will never support the removal of President Mohammed Muizzu.

President Nasheed was speaking in response to a report by the Washington Post alleging that India had planned to fund the removal of President Muizzu, including bribes for lawmakers.

In a post on X tonight, Nasheed said he had read the report, adding that he was unaware of any serious plot against the President.

“Some people always live in conspiracy. India would never back such a move, as they always support Maldives’ democracy. India has never dictated terms to us, either,” Nasheed stated.

The Washington Post reported that the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) of India's intelligence agency had consulted with opposition political leaders to overthrow President Muizzu. They reported that a plan called the Democratic Renewal Initiative had been developed.

The plan included bribing 40 members of parliament, 10 senior army and police officers, and three notorious gangs, the Washington Post reported.

The report said discussions were held with India regarding USD 6 million needed to implement the plan. However, India had refused to pay the money as things did not go according to the plan.