Paromita Das
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 7 October. Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, who rose to power on a strong “India Out” campaign and is known for his pro-China stance, arrived in Bharat on October 6, 2024, for a pivotal state visit. Accompanied by First Lady Sajidha Mohamed, the visit signifies a crucial moment in the diplomatic relations between Bharat and the Maldives, which had been strained in recent years. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed Muizzu’s arrival via its X handle, marking the beginning of his high-profile discussions with Bharatiya President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and other senior officials.
This visit is seen as a clear signal that both nations are intent on resetting their relationship, which had hit a rough patch during Muizzu’s election campaign in 2023. His “India Out” rhetoric had primarily focused on the removal of Indian military personnel stationed in the Maldives, a move that was seen as pandering to nationalist sentiments and aimed at reducing Bharat’s influence. At that time, Muizzu raised concerns about the foreign troops stationed in strategically important locations in the Maldives, underscoring the nation’s desire for autonomy in its security matters.
Shifting Rhetoric and Diplomacy in 2024
However, since assuming office, Muizzu has softened his stance. The diplomatic efforts between the two countries have already started to show results. In May 2024, Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited Bharat, laying the groundwork for improved ties. Bharat, reciprocating these gestures, sent External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to the Maldives in August. Notably, Bharat also helped the Maldives avoid a potential financial crisis by extending the subscription of $50 million worth of treasury bills, which played a significant role in staving off a default on Islamic bond payments. This extension is symbolic of Bharat’s broader commitment to maintaining stability and growth in its maritime neighborhood.
President Muizzu, while known for his pro-China outlook, seems to be walking a fine line between the two giants. During his address to the United Nations General Assembly in September 2024, Muizzu clarified that his concerns were solely regarding the presence of foreign military personnel and were not directed against any specific nation, an implicit reference to Bharat. This calibrated rhetoric highlights Muizzu’s pragmatic approach, balancing Maldives’ strategic ties with China while avoiding unnecessary friction with Bharat.
Balancing China and Bharat
Muizzu’s balancing act is crucial. On one hand, China remains a key economic player in the Maldives through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), with heavy investments in infrastructure projects, which are vital for the island nation’s economic growth. On the other hand, Bharat’s support is vital in ensuring Maldives’ financial and political stability, as shown by its recent economic assistance.
Bharat, for its part, is keen to maintain influence in the Maldives, given the island nation’s strategic location in the Indian Ocean, through which crucial maritime routes pass. With growing Chinese influence in South Asia, Bharat’s diplomatic engagement with Maldives is part of its broader Indo-Pacific strategy. It is thus essential for Bharat to keep the Maldives within its sphere of influence without overtly antagonizing its pro-China leadership.
A New Chapter in Indo-Maldivian Relations?
President Muizzu’s visit to Bharat indicates that both countries are ready to move beyond the tensions of the past year. By focusing on areas of mutual cooperation, such as economic assistance, infrastructure development, and maritime security, both nations can work towards a more balanced relationship. For Muizzu, this visit is an opportunity to show that he is not beholden to any one foreign power but rather seeks to craft a foreign policy that prioritizes the Maldives’ national interests.
For Bharat, this visit is a chance to reaffirm its position as a reliable partner, particularly at a time when China’s footprint in the region is expanding. By engaging with Muizzu and providing crucial economic support, Bharat can ensure that its strategic interests in the Indian Ocean remain secure.
Conclusion
President Muizzu’s state visit to Bharat represents a turning point in Maldives’ foreign policy, indicating his willingness to move past the confrontational “India Out” rhetoric that characterized his election campaign. His toned-down stance, coupled with Bharat’s pragmatic outreach, suggests that the two countries are entering a new phase of constructive engagement.
President Muizzu’s visit is a significant diplomatic recalibration that benefits both nations. While the Maldives continues to maintain strategic ties with China, this visit demonstrates that Muizzu recognizes the importance of balancing foreign relations for the island nation’s long-term stability and growth. Bharat’s commitment to extending financial assistance and maintaining diplomatic channels reflects its desire to be a stabilizing force in the region. The visit paves the way for future cooperation, not only in economic matters but also in broader regional security dynamics, ensuring that both nations can work together in shaping the future of the Indian Ocean region.
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