Mohamed Nasheed, the Maldives’ first democratically-elected President, has vehemently denounced “appalling” social media comments made by a minister in the Maldivian government regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory. PM Modi’s visit to the Union Territory, comprising 36 islands covering an area of 32 sqkm, was perceived as an initiative to boost tourism in the region.
In a tweet, Maldivian minister Mariyam Shiuna used derogatory language against PM Modi, while another minister accused India of targeting the archipelago and claimed that India faces significant challenges in competing with the Maldives in beach tourism.
Condemning these statements, Mr. Nasheed urged Mohamed Muizzu, the current Maldives President, to clarify that the comments by the ministers “do not reflect government policy.”
“What appalling language by Maldives government official Mariyam Shiuna towards the leader of a key ally, that is instrumental for Maldives’ security and prosperity. The Mohamed Muizzu government must distance itself from these comments and give clear assurance to India they do not reflect gov policy,” Mr. Nasheed said in a post.
Elected President in 2008, Nasheed resigned in 2012, citing a coup orchestrated by his rivals. In recent months, India-Maldives relations have faced strains since President Mohamed Muizzu assumed power in November 2023. The President, seen as a pro-China politician, has expressed intentions to shift from Maldives’ “India first” policy.
Scheduled to visit China, Muizzu’s predecessors traditionally visited India first, considering the strong bilateral ties and geographical proximity. The move comes amid increased Chinese influence in the Maldives, marked by significant investments in infrastructure projects.
In December 2023, Muizzu met PM Modi during the COP28 climate talks, agreeing to set up a core group to deepen multidimensional relations. However, tensions arose as Muizzu requested the withdrawal of 77 Indian military personnel and initiated a review of over 100 bilateral agreements between the two nations.
The new Maldives Vice President, Hussain Mohamed Latheef, recently visited China, praising Chinese infrastructure projects without mentioning the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The Maldives holds strategic importance for India, being its key maritime neighbor in the Indian Ocean Region.
As geopolitical dynamics unfold, Nasheed’s condemnation sheds light on the delicate nature of India-Maldives relations and the complexities emerging in the Indian Ocean Region. The proximity of the Maldives to India, combined with its strategic location in vital sea lanes, underscores its significance in India’s regional policies such as SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the ‘Neighbourhood-First Policy.’ The situation reflects the challenges and shifting alliances in the evolving geopolitical landscape.
