Context: This editorial is based on the news “A change for the worse: On the rapid decline in India Maldives ties ” which was published in the Hindu. Recently, India Maldives relations have been on a downward spiral during the reign of newly elected Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu.

Maldives Minister’s Tweet on Indian PM’s Lakshadweep Visit Stirs Controversy

• Three Maldivian Ministers, attacked Indian Primeminister for promoting the Lakshadweep islands during his recent sojourn there at a perceived cost to the Maldives and for his close ties with Israel.

Underlying Reasons of Strain in India Maldives Relations

• Change in government in Maldives: Mr. Muizzu, the current President rode to power on the back of the “India Out” campaign. 
• Withdrawal of its military personnel: Mr. Muizzu has continued to press India on the withdrawal of its military personnel, even though India has clarified their role.

India’s Overtures to Maldives

• India sent a Minister to his swearing in, and there was a Modi-Muizzu meet at the COP28.
  • Maldives Response: Mr. Muizzu chose Turkey as his first bilateral destination, and is now visiting China — becoming the first President not to make India his first priority. 

Continue To Read: Divergence In The India-Maldives Relations

Way Forward to the India Maldives Relations

• Rising above hyper nationalistic rhetoric:  With the calls for boycotts and rising hyper nationalistic rhetoric, India and Maldives need to take a step back and reassess their responses. 
• Policy for:
• • Maldives:  Maldives can ill-afford to antagonize India, given its proximity, economic might and historical position as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean.
  • India: India too must see the futility of muscling in a much smaller neighbor, however egregious the provocation.

Conclusion

• Preserving Bilateral Stability: Both India Maldives need to ensure that domestic political changes in the neighborhood do not change the basic structure of bilateral ties, or affect regional stability.

Also Refre: India’s Response to China’s Naval Expansion in the Indian Ocean