Explained: What Is Happening Between India And Maldives?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to the Lakshwadeep took social media by storm but, it is a Maldivian politician's snide remark that has taken the spotlight and has highlighted the souring relations between the two countries.

Zahid Rameez, a member of the Progressive Party of Maldives Senate, posted on X: "The move is great. However, the idea of competing with us is delusional. How can they provide the service we offer? How can they be so clean? The permanent smell in the rooms will be the biggest downfall."

But the Government of Maldives distanced itself from this remark, issuing a notice on January 7 saying: "The Government of Maldives is aware of derogatory remarks on social media platforms against foreign leaders and high-ranking individuals. These opinions are personal and do not represent the views of the Government of Maldives...Moreover, the relevant authorities of the Government will not hesitate to take action against those who make such derogatory remarks."

This tweet and the row triggered by it is only the latest controversy in a string of recent developments that have strained India-Maldives ties.

Here's what is happening between India and Maldives.

"India Out" campaign

It all began on September 30 when Male Mayor Mohamed Muizzu became the new President of Maldives, with a majority of 54.05%, defeating then-president Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.

Mohamed Muizzu, President of Maldives/ Getty Images

Muizzu's election campaign included an "India Out" slogan against the outgoing President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih's foreign policy of 'India First'. The "India Out" campaign of Maldives projects New Delhi as a hegemon that is a threat to Maldivian autonomy.

Unlike his predecessor, Muizzu is viewed by many as close to China, since as mayor of Male he oversaw key Beijing infrastructure projects and had promised close ties with the Chinese Communist Party if he became President.

Since his election thus, there has been a deliberate distancing from India with Muizzu expressing his desire to expel Indian troops from the country in order to safeguard Maldives' independence and sovereignty.

His first visit as President was to Turkey, breaking with years-long tradition of India being the first country to be visited. His second visit, from Jan. 8 to 12, is set to be to China, as per reports.

Maldives terminates hydrographic pact with India

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In December, the Maldives government decided not to renew a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India for cooperation in hydrography. The agreement, signed in 2019 between the two countries, is to expire in 2024.

The hydrographic survey pact was to help "map out water depth, the shape of the seafloor and coastline, the location of possible obstructions, and physical features of water bodies¡±, to ensure the efficiency of maritime transportation.

He said they are not renewing the agreement with India because Maldives has its own national hydrography agency but will seek support from 'external partners' if needed.

India asked to withdraw military from Maldives

In January 2024, President of the Maldives Mohamed Muizzu asked the Indian government to withdraw the military from the island nation to protect its democracy.

If India did not withdraw its forces, it would amount to disregarding the "democratic will" of the Maldivian people and jeopardizing the future of the democracy, said Muizzu, according to a TOI report.

At the same time, Muizzu stated. "India is one of our closest friends. We share traditional and cultural roots. That is a historical fact. The relationship between two countries is growing at an intensified rate in areas such as trade, commerce, investment, and tourism,¡± as told to TOI.

PTI

So far India has not made much comment on the developments.

Indian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, "It is for them to decide where they go and how they go about their international relations.¡±

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