Former President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has voiced criticism over the lack of significant proposals during President Dr Mohamed Muizzu’s ongoing visit to India.

Speaking at a People's National Front (PNF) meeting, Yameen emphasised that the Maldivian government should request India to waive off its debts, noting India's past financial assistance to Sri Lanka, which included $4 billion in aid during its economic crisis.

"The government should ask for debt waiver. They should tell the Indian government that we do not have the capacity to bear this debt. It is the government's duty to negotiate with India on this. India has the capacity to help, and we have a responsibility to ask," Yameen said.

Yameen also pointed out that the PNF has long advocated for a 15-year plan to stabilise the Maldives, but no progress has been made on negotiating debt deferment. He criticised the lack of discussion on the continued presence of Indian soldiers in the Maldives, particularly in relation to the Uthuru Thila Falhu (UTF) agreement.

"We're hearing more about the UTF, which is already part of the agreement. This only brings more Indian soldiers to our country, and they are officially being invited. Yet, there’s no discussion on the withdrawal of Indian troops or their status here," Yameen stated.

Additionally, Yameen highlighted the absence of any agenda addressing the recovery of lost maritime territories, mentioning that Mauritius, which has people of Indian ethnicity, might also be a factor that India could influence.