Maldives fell from negotiation table to becoming a maintenance officer for a foreign entity's warehouse in submarine cable project: Riyaz Mansoor

Former Deputy Minister for Economic Development, Riyaz Mansoor, has stated that the Indian Ocean Connect Maldives (IAX) submarine cable project, initiated during the MDP administration, has come to a standstill. He further remarked that the Maldives has lost its seat at the decision-making table for the project, being relegated instead to the status of a maintenance officer for a foreign entity's warehouse.

Speaking on RaajjeTV’s Independence Day special program, Riyaz shared detailed insights into the project and provided an update on its current progress.

The India-Asia-Express (IAX) submarine cable system was officially connected to the Maldives in August 2023. This project was initiated under the pledge of then-President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih to provide high-quality internet services at affordable prices across the country. At the time, the government stated that the project would bring significant benefits to the Maldives. Furthermore, it was noted that with the integration of the IAX submarine cable, the nation's entire telecommunications network would transition to a system supported by the primary microwave networks of telecom operators.

Although the testing phase for the IAX submarine cable project was scheduled to commence in December 2023, the current administration has failed to move forward with the initiative.

This represents a new sector for generating foreign currency. We have a significant number of young professionals in the ICT field, and this project was launched to create opportunities for them and establish a dedicated industry. The potential for success in such a project is evident. Since then, major providers like Dhiraagu and Ooredoo have aggressively moved forward by bringing in their own cables. However, the project we initiated has unfortunately come to a complete standstill.

Riyad Mansour

Riyaz stated that the government is currently working to sell off the project, noting that the Google initiative was a much later development.

The original vision was for us to be the owners. We wanted to capitalize on the traffic passing through the Indian Ocean—to capture that revenue and reap the full benefits. That was the intended angle for our economic diversification. However, look at what has happened now. This administration failed to even complete the project, yet we have incurred massive debt. In the end, when Google wanted to establish a setup in Addu, the initiative failed to progress. Ultimately, what is the result? We were supposed to be the owners, the ones in control. Instead, we have slipped from the head of the table and been relegated to mere maintenance officers. We have become nothing more than maintenance staff for a warehouse belonging to foreigners.

Riyaz Mansoor

In November 2025, Google announced 'Dhivaru', a new subsea cable system connecting the Maldives, Christmas Island, and Oman across the Indian Ocean. Describing the project as a major foreign investment, the government stated that the Maldivian hub will be located in Hithadhoo, Addu City. Additional connection points are planned for Kulhudhuffushi in the north and the Greater Male' region. President Muizzu also issued a statement regarding Google’s establishment of a cable landing point in the Maldives. He noted that Google’s investment demonstrates confidence in the Maldivian investment climate and aligns with the nation's plans to further diversify the economy and enhance digital empowerment.