Former President Mohamed Nasheed has said analyzing and criticizing the government’s foreign policy is one of the key responsibilities of an opposition political movement.

Nasheed made the remarks after the government issued an indirect response urging senior political figures not to make statements that could weaken the Maldives’ relations with foreign countries.

The comments followed Nasheed’s participation in the 10th Indian Ocean Dialogue in New Delhi last week, where he also spoke to Indian media about the Maldives’ foreign relations.

In a statement issued last night, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that remarks made by individuals who previously held senior state positions could negatively affect bilateral relations if they undermine the country’s foreign policy.

Although the ministry did not name Nasheed directly, the former President responded in a post on X today.

“It is the biggest responsibility of a rival political party to analyze and criticize the government’s foreign policy and all other policies,” he wrote.

Nasheed also said the Maldives belongs to all Maldivians and not solely to the administration of President Dr Mohamed Muizzu, which has less than 30 percent support.

Referring to the results of last month’s referendum vote, he said the current government had the support of “less than 30 percent” of the population.

Nasheed reiterated comments he made to Indian media, arguing that financial assistance and loans provided by allied countries should be used responsibly.

Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, defended the government’s “Maldives First” foreign policy, saying it was based on protecting national interests in line with international diplomatic norms.

The ministry also said individuals who had held senior office should exercise caution when commenting publicly on relations with foreign states.