West Asia conflict: Mohamed Nasheed urges democratic institutions, says Maldives tourism down 30 per cent

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed says democratic structures and institutions, not bombing, are key to political change amid the West Asia conflict. He argues the global order is shifting and questions US leadership. Nasheed says disruptions to regional travel hubs have reduced Maldives tourist arrivals by about 30 per cent, pressuring the tourism-led economy.

Former Maldives president Mohamed Nasheed said democratic institutions, not air strikes, create political change. Nasheed spoke as the West Asia conflict widened after US-Israel strikes on Iran. Nasheed also said the shift in global power meant the US no longer seemed to lead. The remarks came during a three-day conclave in New Delhi.

The conflict began after the US-Israel combine struck Iran on February 28. Iran then attacked Gulf countries hosting American military bases, in retaliation. The escalation disrupted aviation routes and pushed up oil prices. It also raised fears of an energy crunch. The ripple effects reached tourism-dependent economies like the Maldives.

West Asia conflict impact on Maldives tourism

Nasheed said tourist arrivals to the Maldives fell by about 30 per cent. Nasheed linked the drop to disruptions at major transit hubs. These included Dubai and Doha. Nasheed said, "Well, we rely on tourism; that is our biggest strength. And when travel hubs are disrupted throughout the Middle East, such as Dubai and Doha, it has a big impact on tourist arrivals, which is now down by about 30 per cent in the Maldives,\"

Nasheed warned the decline could strain public finances and debt repayments. Nasheed said, \"See, we have to pay a lot of debt. When tourism is hit, government revenues fall, and when government revenues fall, its a challenge… We might be on the brink of a default,\" Nasheed also said daily costs were rising for residents. Nasheed added, \"Also, fuel prices are going up, and so are all other prices… So its not going to be easy for our people,\"

West Asia conflict and India role in Indian Ocean Region

Asked about India as a net-security provider in the Indian Ocean Region, Nasheed called for a stronger India. Nasheed also urged better understanding between India and China. Nasheed said, \"We would like to see… A stronger India would give us more security. We would also like to see a better understanding, at this time, especially with India and China, so that no other complication comes into it.\"

Nasheed then described the US as a larger concern in regional calculations. Nasheed said, \"In my mind, we see the United States as a bigger problem. So, we would like to see that there is safety and security through an umbrella of Indian security that is not challenged at this time by China,\" Nasheed did not offer more details. Nasheed attended the Synergia conclave at the Manekshaw Centre from March 11-13.

West Asia conflict and changing world order

Nasheed said the world may settle into a new arrangement after the current crisis. Nasheed said, \"That probably would not look like what we had before, where the United States was the leader of the free world. It doesnt look like the US is the leader of the free world now,\" Nasheed added that several power centres may shape decisions. Nasheed said it would likely be a multipolar world.

Nasheed said countries may choose different partners for different needs. Nasheed said, \"For security, you may be aligning with someone; for energy, you may be aligning with someone; for climate change, you may be aligning with someone… So, I think it will be done in a kind of multipolar arrangement,\" Nasheed linked this to shifting alliances in trade, defence, and climate policy.

West Asia conflict and democratic change versus bombing

Nasheed said bombing was unlikely to transfer power in Iran. Nasheed referred to Maldives’ own shift from authoritarian rule to elections. Nasheed said, \"We Maldives are a very small country. We had 30 years of dictatorship, but in 2008, we were able to hold free and fair elections and change the regime.\" Nasheed served from November 2008 to February 2012.

Nasheed said political organising brought change in the Maldives. Nasheed said, \"That took peaceful political activity; we were able to galvanise our people to political activism, we were able to build a political party, we were able to amend the Constitution, and we were able to hold free and fair elections. So, thats how you change governments, not by bombing,\" Nasheed also urged institution-building as a path.

Nasheed added, \"I hope the world thinks that if certain countries are out of the world order, they can be brought back into the line not by bombing, but by building political structures, democratic structures and institutions, and using those to bring about a change,\" Nasheed presented this as a longer process than military action. Nasheed said it relied on internal reforms and public participation.

West Asia conflict and Mariya Didi warning

Former Maldives defence minister Mariya Didi also spoke at the conclave. Mariya Didi stressed the need to keep peace in the Indian Ocean Region. Mariya Didi said, \"its worrying times if bigger countries, larger countries, most powerful countries think that they can work in a way that they are seen as bullies.\" Mariya Didi added, \"It is not really going to help the world order,\"

Mariya Didi said the conflict hit tourism, calling it \"our lifeblood.\" Mariya Didi said, \"There have been cancellations... A lot of our flights come from the UAE, Oman and Qatar. So, when their operations suddenly stopped, a lot of tourists were left stranded,\" Mariya Didi described disruptions to flight links that normally feed visitors into the Maldives.

On the outlook for the conflict, Mariya Didi said uncertainty remained high. Mariya Didi said, \"At the moment, it looks very unpredictable. But I hope that the conflict is resolved soon. Both sides arent backing down, but I hope that diplomacy helps. Because if nobody backs down, it will reach a very difficult stage. I hope diplomacy works. I hope partners of the US and Iran talk to each other, and find solutions so that this doesnt turn into World War-III,\"

The remarks from Nasheed and Mariya Didi linked the West Asia conflict to direct economic and security risks. Both pointed to disrupted air routes, weaker tourism, and higher costs. Nasheed also argued for democratic institution-building over bombing. Mariya Didi urged diplomacy to prevent further escalation. The Maldives leaders framed these issues as immediate concerns for the region.

With inputs from PTI