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Context:

President Muizzu’s visit to India was his first official trip since assuming office in November 2023.

Details

Significance of Maldives’ pro-China President Muizzu’s New Delhi visit

Political Background

• President Mohamed Muizzu attended Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s swearing-in.
• Muizzu positioned himself politically vis-à-vis India.

 

‘India Out’ Campaign

• Muizzu’s election on November 17 last year was on an ‘India Out’ plank.
• The campaign started in 2020 against then-President Ibrahim Solih’s India-friendly policies.
• Muizzu vowed to send back “foreign soldiers”.
• Demanded withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives.
• Replaced Indian soldiers with civilians in May.

Muizzu’s Pro-China Tilt

• Followed mentor Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom’s anti-India stance.
• Aligned Maldives with China, India’s geopolitical rival.
• First foreign visit as President was to China.
• Signed 20 agreements with China ranging from tourism to social housing and e-commerce.
• Signed a military deal with China for non-lethal military equipment and training the first ever military deal between the two countries

 

Chinese Influence

• Maldives part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative which has led to an influx of Chinese money and a strengthening of the relationship between the two countries — at the expense of India

Historical Relationship with India

• Maldives is crucial for India’s maritime security.
• Archipelago’s proximity to India’s Lakshadweep and west coast barely 70 nautical miles (130 km) from Lakshadweep’s Minicoy Island, and some 300 nautical miles (560 km) from India’s west coast.
• Important commercial sea lanes run through the Maldives.
• Maldives heavily dependent on Indian imports and aid in almost all important sectors, from food to life-saving medicines, and aircraft used in search and rescue missions.
• India’s historical assistance during crises from being the first to send in help after the 2004 tsunami to airlifting drinking water to the country after a desalination plant broke down in 2014. During the Covid-19 pandemic, India sent medicines, masks, gloves, PPE kits, vaccines, and other aid
• Indian Army’s role in thwarting a 1988 coup appreciated.

Significance of the relation for both the nation

• India’s strategic role: India has emerged as a Net Security Provider: as Maldives is part of the Indian government’s priorities under the ‘Neighbourhood First Policy. Both nations are key players in maintaining the safety and security of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), thus contributing to India-led Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) vision.
• Tourism Economy: India ranks as one of the primary contributors to the tourist influx in the Maldives, a country heavily reliant on tourism to sustain its economy.
• Geo-strategic relations: Maldives has been a partner of India in many regional groupings. Maldives is a member of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC), Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), SAARC, SASEC, and SAGAR initiative of India.
• People-to-people ties: There is a sizeable Indian Diaspora in Maldives. Numerous Indians are employed in Maldives’ education, medical care systems, tourism, and hospitality sectors..

Chance of a Fresh Start

• Muizzu’s visit signals a potential reset in relations.
• India approved highest-ever export quotas to Maldives for 2024-25 for essential commodities — eggs, potatoes, onions, sugar, rice, wheat flour and pulses, river sand and stone aggregates.
• Maldives Foreign Minister met India’s External Affairs Minister in May.
• Jaishankar expressed optimism for close cooperation post-meeting with Muizzu.

Conclusion

Despite these earlier tensions, President Muizzu’s recent visit to India suggests a renewed effort to improve bilateral relations. The discussions and agreements reached during his visit are expected to pave the way for increased cooperation and mutual prosperity for both nations.

Sources:

IndianExpress

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Analyze the recent developments in India-Maldives relations, especially in the context of the changing political landscape in the Maldives.150 words