Maldives scrapped Muizzu’s meeting with US ambassador to India Sergio Gor last month

US ambassador to India and Trump confidante Sergio Gor reportedly left Maldives without meeting President Mohamed Muizzu after a scheduled engagement was cancelled at short notice during his visit to Malé last month.

According to reports, Gor visited Malé on March 23 and held talks with Maldivian foreign and defence officials. However, a planned meeting with President Muizzu did not materialise. Efforts to revive the meeting through diplomatic channels are said to have led to an offer of a private, closed-door interaction, which the US side reportedly declined, after which Gor departed without meeting the president.

The incident comes at a sensitive moment for Malé’s foreign policy outreach, as the administration continues to balance ties with multiple global partners.

Political backdrop in Malé

President Muizzu, who came to power in November 2023 on an anti-India mandate, has recently faced domestic political setbacks. His party, the People’s National Congress, has suffered losses in local municipal polls, while a proposed constitutional referendum on synchronising elections was also rejected by voters.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party also registered gains in key mayoral contests, adding pressure on the ruling establishment.

Economic strain adds pressure

The developments come as Maldives continues to grapple with financial stress. The government has sought a rollover of a $400 million loan from India after repaying earlier international obligations.

While discussions are ongoing, New Delhi has so far limited support to short-term extensions, and a final decision on further assistance remains pending.

Balancing regional partnerships

Foreign policy choices by Malé have also drawn attention, with infrastructure engagement continuing alongside both Indian and Chinese involvement in key projects. While India remains a key development partner, recent awards of port-related contracts to Chinese firms have highlighted the government’s broader balancing strategy.

The episode involving the missed meeting adds to a growing list of diplomatic and political challenges facing the Muizzu administration at a time of heightened regional scrutiny.