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What's the article about?
- It talks about the recent strain in India-Maldives relations following inflammatory tweets by Maldivian ministers.
Relevance:
- GS2: India and its Neighborhood- Relations
Context:
- A month after Prime Minister Modi's optimistic visit to the newly elected Maldivian President Muizzu, relations between the two countries have taken a sharp turn south.
- The trigger: a series of offensive tweets by three Maldivian Ministers criticizing Modi's promotion of Lakshadweep and his ties with Israel, while making derogatory remarks about Indians.
- While the tweets were deleted, the Ministers suspended, and the Maldivian government distanced itself, the damage was swift and severe.
- Social media in India erupted with calls for an economic boycott of the Maldives, a worrying development considering Indian tourists are the archipelago's top post-pandemic arrivals.
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India-Maldives Relations:
‘India out’ Campaign and ‘India First’ Policy:
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Analysis:
- The “India Out” Campaign and its Impact:
- The current tremors are not isolated incidents. President Muizzu's rise to power was fueled by the PPM party's “India Out” campaign, highlighting a significant shift in Maldivian political sentiment.
- Despite the Modi government's initial disappointment, it sought to maintain friendly ties, sending a representative to Muizzu's swearing-in and holding a meeting at COP28.
- However, the new President's choice of Turkey and now China as his first bilateral destinations, instead of India, suggests a deliberate recalibration of priorities.
- Finding Common Ground amidst Discord:
- Both sides need to take a step back and navigate these choppy waters with caution.
- Muizzu, while understandably wary of India's influence, cannot afford to completely alienate its powerful neighbor, especially considering India's historical role as a security provider and its economic clout.
- Conversely, India must resist the temptation to “muscle in” and recognize the importance of respecting Maldives' sovereignty.
- Benefits of a Strong Partnership:
- The past few years under the Solih government showcased the potential of a strong India-Maldives relationship.
- Indian infrastructure projects, development initiatives, strategic partnerships, pandemic support, and international cooperation all benefited both nations.
- For India, with several regional elections looming this year, ensuring stable bilateral ties and regional stability is paramount.
Way Forward:
- The recent tumble from honeymoon to hangover serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of diplomatic relations. Both India and the Maldives must move beyond the immediate tweetstorm and focus on building bridges, not walls. Open communication, mutual respect, and a recognition of shared interests are crucial to ensuring a smooth sailing in the turbulent waters of Indo-Maldivian relations.
