Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has sounded a warning regarding the deepening ties between the Maldives government and China, emphasizing the need for India to remain vigilant in the face of this geopolitical shift. Speaking at the 54th annual day of ‘Thuglak’ magazine, Tharoor expressed concerns about China’s expanding influence in India’s periphery and stressed the importance of the Indian government being aware of the potential dangers posed by this development.
Tharoor noted that China has been actively working to increase its influence in India’s neighboring countries, citing the growing Chinese influence in every neighboring nation without exception. The former Minister of State for External Affairs urged the Indian government to closely monitor the increasing proximity of the Maldives government to China.
While addressing the audience, Tharoor highlighted the diplomatic complexities and challenges associated with India’s foreign policy. He emphasized the need for India to establish redlines, privately communicated among governments, in response to developments that could be viewed as serious concerns for India’s interests.
Tharoor’s remarks come amid a recent diplomatic row between India and the Maldives. The tensions escalated when three Maldivian ministers made derogatory remarks on social media against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Despite the Maldivian government distancing itself from these comments, it led to a strain in bilateral relations.
President Mohamed Muizzu, considered a pro-China leader, formally requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the Maldives, setting a deadline of March 15 for the withdrawal. This move has heightened concerns about the shifting dynamics in the Indian Ocean region and the potential geopolitical ramifications for India.
The Maldives’ recent diplomatic overtures towards China were evident during President Muizzu’s state visit, where significant agreements were reached, including substantial financial aid and cooperation in various sectors. Muizzu labeled China as “one of the Maldives’ closest allies and developmental partners.” His comments during a press conference were interpreted by some as aimed at India, asserting the Maldives’ status as an independent and sovereign state.
Despite expressing the need for vigilance, Tharoor noted that, for now, there was no immediate cause for alarm in the context of India-Maldives relations. He stressed the importance of a more serious level of diplomatic engagement and cautioned against discussing India’s foreign policy on social media platforms.
India’s foreign policy has traditionally focused on maintaining friendly relations with its neighbors while addressing regional and global challenges. The recent developments in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in the Maldives, underscore the delicate balance India must maintain in navigating its strategic interests.
Tharoor’s call for vigilance and redlines reflects the broader concerns within India’s political circles about the geopolitical shifts in its neighborhood. As the Maldives seeks to strengthen ties with China, India must carefully assess and respond to these developments to safeguard its strategic interests in the region.
Shashi Tharoor’s warning serves as a reminder of the evolving geopolitical landscape and the need for India to adapt its foreign policy strategies accordingly. The diplomatic tensions with the Maldives underscore the importance of continuous engagement, respect for sensitivities, and maintaining a watchful eye on regional dynamics to secure India’s interests in the Indian Ocean region.
