Clash Between Indians And Maldivians In Maldives' Hulhumale, Two Hospitalised: What We Know So Far

A violent altercation between a group of Maldivians and Indians in Hulhumale', Maldives, led to the detention of one Maldivian on Monday night, escalating tensions in the area.

The clash occurred near Central Park in Hulhumale around 9.00 pm local time on 30 April.

"The fight took place near Central Park in Hulhumale' at around 9:00 pm. Two people sustained serious injuries and were taken to Hulhumale' Hospital," Adhadhu.com reported.

According to the local police, the suspect in custody is a Maldivian.

However, the identities of the injured parties were not disclosed in the report. 

Police said the clashes broke out between a group of Maldivians and Indians inside the park and that further investigations were underway.

The relations between India and Maldives have deteriorated after 'pro-China' Mohammad Muizzu became the President of the island nation.

Since his victory in last year's Presidential elections, accomplished riding on the back of an anti-India, India-Out campaign, President Muizzu has taken multiple actions that have shifted the Maldives from its earlier India-first policy towards a pro-China one.

For example, every Maldivian president after winning elections has chosen India as his first pit stop.

Breaking with tradition, Muizzu chose Turkey to be the first nation to visit, followed by China, giving clear indications that China, not India, will be the first choice for the Maldives. It has been more than six months since, but there are no talks of a Muizzu visit to India.

His government refused to renew a hydrographic survey agreement with India, instead choosing to allow a Chinese spy ship to dock in Male, despite India’s vehement objections, and also allowed it to do a survey of the Maldives' exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

Some of his ministers also mocked India, posting racist comments against Indians and derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on X (formerly Twitter) when PM promoted tourism in Lakshadweep Islands.

Muizzu is also forcing out 90-odd serving Indian armed forces personnel stationed in the Maldives to maintain and service equipment gifted by India to the Maldives — one Dornier Do-228 aircraft and two Dhruv helicopters.

Muizzu wants all Indian personnel to leave Maldives by 10 May.