On India-Maldives Bilateral Relations – Change for the worse

General Studies Paper -2

Context: The article discusses the recent developments which signal a decline in India-Maldives relations. It highlights the importance of maintaining sound bilateral relations which will be in both countries’ interest.

Background:

There has been a rapid decline in ties between India and the Maldives, especially after the Maldives’ newly elected President Mohamed Muizzu came to power on the back of his “India Out” campaign.

The recent incident involved tweets by 3 Maldivian Ministers, attacking Indian Prime Minister for promoting the Lakshadweep islands for tourism and made derogatory remarks about Indians. The Ministers were then suspended, and the Maldivian government has distanced itself from them.

Other incidents signal a decline in bilateral relations:

• State visits of the Maldives’ President to Turkey and China — the first President to not visit India on the first state visit.
• Withdrawal of India’s military personnel.
• Revoking of the joint Hydrography Pact.

How should both countries respond to this situation?

Both countries need to reassess their responses to this situation.

Maldives:

• It cannot afford to alienate India because:
• India’s proximity to Maldives.
• India’s rising economic stature: Indian tourists made up the most arrivals to Maldives post-COVID-19.
• India’s historical position as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
• India’s support to Maldives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• India’s infrastructure and development projects in the islands.

India:

• India must realise that hostility towards a much smaller neighbour serves no purpose.
• Instead, both countries can benefit from a stronger relationship through the intense strategic partnership and cooperation on the international stage shown in the past.
• Hence, India should ensure that these developments do not change the basic structure of bilateral ties or affect regional stability.