Maldives had launched India Out campaign only a few months ago. Even its ministers were making vulgar comments against India on social media. It was believed that the reason behind these changed attitudes was the pro-China policy of the current government. But now the attitude of this island country has softened again. He is trying to come closer to India. So has he become disillusioned with China, or does India seem more important to him? Understand here.
The mood was against the current government
As soon as Muizzu assumed the presidency in November 2023, he started the India Out campaign. They were bent on sending back to their country the small group of Indian soldiers who were there to help them. This is not an isolated incident. Three ministers there had made objectionable comments on the social platform X regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep. Even though this was whitewashed after India’s objection, it became clear that Maldives wants to keep distance from India for the time being.
Efforts were seen to reduce dependence on India
The economy of this country depends on India. It is not just tourism, there are many other aspects as well. Like in the year 2021, India became one of its biggest trading partners. We take scrap metals from Maldives. While in return they export engineering and industrial products like pharmaceuticals, radar equipment, rock boulders, cement.
It also includes agricultural products like rice, spices, fruits, vegetables and poultry products. Muizzu government started trading goods with other countries. But due to long distance, imports also started becoming very expensive. On the other hand, India has been sending products to its neighbors at the lowest rates.
Tourism also collapsed
Showing bitterness with India also had a direct impact on Maldives’ tourism. Let us tell you here that the contribution of tourism in the economy of this country is more than 28%. In the year 2022, the number of Indian tourists coming here will increase to about 3 lakh, which was 14.4 percent of the total tourism. The Ministry of Tourism itself had admitted that Indian tourists played an important role in their economic growth. India’s cold stance had an impact on this aspect as well.
Why is Maldives important for India?
This island country is located next to the main shipping lane in the Indian Ocean. This lane ensures energy supply to countries like China, Japan and India. China had started sending its naval ships to the Gulf of Aden in the Indian Ocean a few years ago in the name of anti-piracy operations. Since then, the importance of Maldives for India has increased further. If he misses this, there may be a security crisis.
Initiative is visible to erase grievances
Amidst economic shocks, Maldives changed its strategy. Just last month, on the occasion of his Independence Day, Muizzu mentioned India and thanked it. In fact, India has not only given a huge loan to Maldives, but has also not put heavy conditions for the loan repayment. Referring to the free trade agreement with the UK, he expressed hope for a similar agreement with India in the future. Overall, the new attitude of the Muizzu government reflects India First instead of India Out.
What is the significance of Foreign Minister’s visit to Maldives at this time?
Some time ago Muizzu had come to India during the swearing-in of PM Narendra Modi. After this the ice in relationships started melting. It is believed that Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s visit to Maldives is also a part of the exercise to restart the talks. The Foreign Minister had gone to the inauguration of Maldives’ biggest water and sanitation project, in which India had provided assistance of about 110 million dollars.
Jaishankar signed an agreement to start payments through UPI in Maldives. Also, discussions were held on many issues to strengthen mutual relations. During this, Muizzu expressed his gratitude to the present government, calling India one of his closest allies. A similar post was also made on his behalf on social media X.
Is Maldives scared of China’s debt policy?
There is a significant difference in the lending methods of China and India, which this country seems to have understood. Although Beijing gives huge loans, its conditions are very strict. Even if countries are not successful in repaying the loans on time, their properties may be taken over by China, as happened with Sri Lanka’s Hambantota port.
India’s loan policy is more flexible, in which the interest also remains minimal. Under Neighborhood First, India continued to do this with almost all its neighbours. Along with giving loans, China also starts intruding into local affairs, as was seen in Nepal, Sri Lanka and Pakistan. At the same time, India remains away from it. Apart from this, China mostly talks about giving money on infrastructure, whereas India generally left this decision to the lending country.