EAM Jaishankar's Swipe At Maldives: 'Big Bullies Don't Give $4.5 Billion Aid'

In a veiled reference to Maldives President Mohamad Muizzu, a remark was made by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, stated that "$4.5 billion aid isn't provided by big bullies" when neighbouring countries are in distress, responding to queries about whether India was being perceived as a "bully" in the region.

Jaishankar's statement followed Muizzu's comment in January, indirectly targeting India, where he asserted that no country possessed the authority to "bully us," despite being a small nation, amidst a diplomatic clash between both nations.

Photo Credit: PTI

EAM Jaishankar's Swipe At Maldives

During an event promoting his book 'Why Bharat Matters,' Jaishankar emphasized India's active role in offering timely assistance to its neighbours during crises when queried about New Delhi's perception as a "bully" in the subcontinent and Indian Ocean region, as reported by news agency ANI.

"The significant change observed today in this part of the world is the transformation in relations between India and its neighbours. When the assertion is made that India is perceived as a big bully, it should be noted that big bullies don't offer $4.5 billion when neighbouring countries face challenges. Big bullies don't distribute vaccines to other nations during the Covid-19 pandemic or make exceptions to their own regulations to address demands for food, fuel, or fertilizers due to complications arising from conflicts in other parts of the world," Jaishankar stated during the event held on Saturday, March 2, as reported by India Today.

The minister's comments were made amid the diplomatic dispute between India and Maldives that erupted in January when three Maldivian ministers were suspended for making derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi following his promotion of Lakshadweep as a tourist destination.

Jaishankar also highlighted the transformations witnessed in relations between India and its neighbours, specifically mentioning advancements in connectivity with Bangladesh and Nepal, the establishment of roads and railways that were previously nonexistent, and the utilization of waterways. He stressed the significant rise in trade and investment with Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and the Maldives over recent years.

Regarding Maldives, Jaishankar conveyed that the objective was to minimize foreign military presence on the island nation, referring to President Muizzu's announcement on February 5 regarding the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the country.

Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China leader, aimed to eliminate foreign military presence in the Maldives, with plans for the return of Indian troops from two aviation platforms by May 10, as reported by India Today.