Maldives President Muizzu said in an interview that India remains their 'closest ally'. This remark comes when they're seeking debt relief from India. At the end of 2023, Maldives already owed US$400.9 to India. Notably, one of the cornerstones of Muizzu's presidential campaign was the 'India out' strategy. They've followed through on it, warming up to China, until this comment.