Maldives from Tension to Cooperation
Maldives has made a surprising diplomatic pivot from the campaign “India Out” to embracing a “Welcome India” stance.
From the moment the current President Mohamed Muizzu, has actively pursued anti-India policy. But on 26 July Friday, he made surprising remarks during the official 59th Independence Day function.
- Muizzu expressed his sincere gratitude to India for their support in easing the Maldives’ debt repayment.
- Muizzu said the government is in negotiations with the Indian government to facilitate currency swap agreements.
- Muizzu expressed hope to reach a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with India.
This is a complete 180-degree turn from Muizzu’s “India Out” presidential campaign stance. The campaign that won him his presidency.
The first thing that President Muizzu did after taking oath last November was to stop the operation of Dornier aircraft and the helicopters that were earlier operated by Indian military personnel that were used for medical evacuations. But it was President Muizzu who announced the restart of medical evacuations with the aircraft at the official function to mark the 59th Independence Day.
He is quoted as saying “A patient was transported to Male’ on the India platform for the first time since military personnel were replaced by civilians. I thank the Indian government for this”. Ultimately Defeating the goal of “India Out”
Additionally, Maldives sent tourism minister Ibrahim Faisal to India to promote the ‘Welcome India‘ initiative.
- The “Welcome India” initiative aims to reinforce the Maldives’ status as a prime holiday destination for Indian travelers through a series of events in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru from 30 July to 3 August.
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This diplomatic U-turn is influenced by the economic crisis of the Maldives. This has only shown the importance of India to the economic stability of Maldives. Maldives owed approximately $400 million to India at the end of last year.
During his first interview with local media since assuming office, Muizzu said India will continue to remain Maldives ‘closest ally’. During the interview, he urged India to accommodate the debt relief measures in repayment of the hefty loans taken by the previous Governments. India reciprocated by deferring a USD 50 million loan and providing food quotas for two more years.
However, there are still concerns over the Military agreement the Maldives has made with China. The agreement is said to provide free military assistance to Maldives. The details of which are not disclosed to the public.
Maldives has also signed an Agricultural Expansion and Food Security Enhancement with China. Which was aimed at ending dependency on one country for imported staple foods such as Rice, sugar, and flour.
But in the end, it had to depend on India for the import. And India even though there was an export ban in India it made an exception for the Maldives. It was upon the request of the Government of Maldives revealed by the Consulate of India in Maldives.
The dependency of Maldives on India doesn’t end there, the largest group contributing to tourism are Indians. And after the debacle of the 3 ex-ministers tweeting derogatory comments against PM Modi for visiting Lakshadweep. The people of India boycotted Maldives as a tourist destination. Hurting the economy of Maldives, now no longer the largest contributor to tourism.
Looking at the dependency of Maldives on India for Food, Medical to Economic and construction materials. Being a Nation of importers and largely reliant on tourism for revenue. It was a known bad move to get relations bad with the only country close and capable enough to provide the things required as every other country is geographically very far away and would thus make things more expensive. Especially for an Island nation in times of rise in seawater.
It was only a matter of time before the New President finished his Honeymoon period of living in the fantasy of false campaign promises and come to face reality. This Diplomatic U-turn was to be expected.
And it is to be seen whether Mohamed Muizzu will work in the interest of the Maldivian people or his campaign funders and false promises.