Maldives' Strategic Diplomacy Between India and China
The relationship between the Maldives and India has significantly grown over the years, with the two countries working together on different sectors, such as education, health, and humanitarian assistance. This partnership is being reinforced through a series of agreements and high-level visits. Both the region shares a wide variety of cultural, religious, commercial, ethnic and linguistic ties that are rooted in antiquity. They have maintained a close and cordial relationship since the Maldives became an independent country in 1965. India was the first country to recognize the island nation. In 1972, India established its first High Commission in the Maldives, and in 1980, it became the country's resident High Commissioner. While in 2004, the Maldives opened its first full-fledged diplomatic mission in New Delhi, making it one of the only four countries in the world to have such a mission.
Over the past couple of years, India has shown significant support for the Maldives. This backing has been evidenced through various agreements and initiatives. The assistance India provided during the failed coup attempt in 1988 has contributed to the development of a friendly and cooperative relationship between the two countries. The withdrawal of our troops from the Maldives immediately following the incident relieved concerns about Indian territorial ambitions and dominance. Moreover, three incidents in 1988, 2004 and 2014 highlighted the advantages of India's ability to respond to Maldives' distress situations in a timely manner. These actions reinforced India's credentials as the Maldives' first responder. In response to the outbreak of measles in the country in January 2020, India provided 30,000 doses of vaccine. It also provided the Maldives with the necessary equipment and resources to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.
India has a significant position in the Maldives. Its importance is acknowledged, as it is regarded as a net security player and have a huge visitors to the region. In addition to being a net security player, India has also played a significant role in supporting the Maldives' humanitarian and health needs. Through its various humanitarian initiatives, such as the donation of vaccines, it has been able to help the country's children.
India has also been able to provide the Maldives with various infrastructure projects. Through the various agreements and memorandums of understanding, the two countries have been able to develop various projects. Through its scholarships and training programs, India has been able to provide the country's students and professionals with various opportunities. These have been instrumental in the development of the country's human resources.
The Maldives and India have also been able to develop a defense partnership. This includes the training of Maldives National Defense Force personnel and the establishment of maritime surveillance facilities. In spite of the positive contribution that the Maldives and India have made to their relations, they have experienced a significant change in the past couple of years due to different political and diplomatic issues. The election of Mohamed Muizzu as the new president led to a change in the country's foreign policy. One of the main issues that the new government has been addressing is the presence of Indian troops in the Maldives.
The recent political flare-up has also resulted in the Maldives' officials making disparaging remarks about Indian Prime Minster Narendra Modi. Three deputy ministers from the Ministry of Youth Affairs criticized Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. These recent political developments in the Maldives have highlighted the delicate balance that exists in the Indian Ocean region. External actors such as China can still exert influence.
The president of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has been a pro-China politician. He also made indirect remarks about India without directly addressing it. This incident led to the Jumhoori Party's leader Gasui Ibrahim urging the president to apologize to the Indian government. This demand for an apology was carried out as a result of a wider diplomatic row, which also included Muizzu's request to India to remove its forces from Maldives. Now, the growing tension between the two nations is highlighting the complexity of their relationship. And hence, the political developments in the Maldives have highlighted the importance of proper communication and the impact of negative leadership on global relations. The negative statements made by the country's leaders have also highlighted the country's geopolitical situation.
The controversy began when three officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, namely Maryam Shiuna, Mahzoom Majid, and Malsha Shareef, criticized Modi's visit to Lakshadweep. They stated that it was an attempt to negatively affect the Maldives' tourism industry. Some of their comments also talked about India's connections with Israel. The officials were then suspended by the government of the Maldives. They stated that their opinions were not representative of the country's government. The government had also emphasized the importance of maintaining a responsible expression of one's opinion.
Later on, the political statements and actions of the Maldives' officials have highlighted the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with India. However, the recent developments have resulted in a deterioration in the relationship. This issue has prompted various groups to urge the government to resolve the issue through a diplomatic resolution.
China in Indian Ocean Region:
The decision by the Maldives to allow the Chinese ship Yang Hong 03 to dock is a significant development in the country's relations with China. It shows the Maldives' determination to maintain a positive relationship with China and other major Asian powers. This move can also be interpreted as a sign of the country's evolving diplomatic strategy. The Maldives has been a strategic priority for various countries due to its prime position in the Indian Ocean. As a maritime crossroads, it is regularly watched by global and regional powers. Its decisions regarding the granting of permission for military and research vessels are also closely monitored. The recent decision to allow the Yang Hong 03 vessel to dock shows the country's efforts to maintain a balance between its internal and external security concerns. The decision to allow the vessel to dock is also significant because of the Maldives' relations with China and India, two of its major neighbors. The growing presence of China in the Maldives through its Belt and Road Initiative has highlighted the country's shift toward a more internationalized foreign policy. The decision to limit the port call also indicated the country's intention to accommodate China' maritime and scientific interests while taking into account the sensitivities of India's concerns. This move shows the Maldives' willingness to engage with China in a non-threatening manner, without significantly affecting the region's security.
This move is part of the Maldives' wider strategy to maintain a positive relationship with other countries. As a small island nation, it is also important for the Maldives to develop effective and efficient diplomatic capabilities to engage with other great powers. Doing so allows the country to ensure that its interests are upheld and respected. The Maldives' approach shows that it has a deep understanding of the world's complicated relationships, and it does not require antagonizing one power. The way the Maldives handled the Yang Hong 03 docking demonstrates its ability to navigate through the complicated regional geopolitical landscape. This nuanced approach also highlights the country's strategic autonomy and the importance of smaller states in building a regional security framework.
Conclusion:
The foundation of the India-Maldives relationship can be traced back to the country's steadfast commitment to the security and development of the nation. The extensive scope of cooperation India has extended over the years has highlighted its significant role as the Maldives' partner. Unfortunately, the recent diplomatic and political developments have highlighted the need for the two nations to continue negotiating and addressing issues through dialogue. As the two nations navigate through the various political and diplomatic developments that have occurred in the past few months, they need to continue developing a cooperative and stable relationship. This can be achieved through the continuous engagement of both parties and the recognition of each other' s strategic concerns. The long-standing ties between India and the Maldives can help both countries overcome their current challenges and forge a stronger relationship.
Tensions between the Maldives and India have highlighted the complicated relationship between two countries that have varying security and sovereignty concerns. As a regional power with ambitions for global recognition, India is at a crossroads. The Maldives, on the other hand, is at a crossroads because of its external and economic dependencies. The concept of India's "Neighbourhood First Policy" has been a cornerstone of the country's foreign relations. It emphasizes the importance of supporting its neighbors' specific needs. However, the growing perception of India’s presence in the Maldives has become a cause for concern. It's important for the country to maintain its neutrality while still providing humanitarian assistance and security. The Maldives' current government, led by President Mohamed Muizzu, faces various challenges. The recent election results show that the country's voters are still concerned about the country's foreign policy. The Maldives' decision to allow the Chinese ship Xiang Yang Hong 03 to dock in the country for a routine port call has indicated the country's willingness to play a more balanced role in its international engagement. This development could also encourage the two countries to address their bilateral issues through diplomacy. A détente between the Maldives and India can help both countries move past their current political and diplomatic conflicts. It can also help them establish a more cooperative relationship. To ensure regional security and stability, the two countries should adopt a diplomatic and rational approach to their relationship.
Pic Courtsey-Med J at unsplash.com
(The views expressed are those of the author and do not represent views of CESCUBE.)
