EXPLAINED | Why India-Maldives Relations Are Strained?

Since coming to power in November 2023, President Mohamed Muizzu has been seen as a pro-China politician, leading to strained ties between India and the Maldives. A visit to China is scheduled for Monday. The Maldives, a key maritime neighbour of India in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), holds significance in initiatives such as 'SAGAR' (Security and Growth for All in the Region) and the 'Neighbourhood First Policy' of the Modi government, according to DNA.

Under Muizzu's presidency, efforts have been made to fulfil one of his campaign promises: the withdrawal of Indian personnel stationed in the Maldives. Additionally, the Maldives has announced the decision not to renew a bilateral hydrographic survey agreement expiring this year. Muizzu's pro-China stance is evident, with his scheduled visit to the Asian country starting today, January 8.

It's to be noted that the current dispute between India and the Maldives has been reported by the Chinese state media outlet Global Times. The outlet commended Muizzu's foreign policy, stating, 'It only demonstrates that Muizzu is treating India with a normal mindset and steering the relationship between the Maldives and India to a normal state-state relationship.'

China-Maldives to Sign Agreements Amid Row

Amid the controversy, after a Maldivian minister used derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media on his recent visit to Lakshadweep islands, President Mohamed Muizzu has headed to China where he would be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Hindustan Times.

Here are some key takeaways:

• Several agreements are set to be signed by China and the Maldives to further enhance their bilateral ties following talks between President Xi Jinping and his Maldivian counterpart Mohamed Muizzu this week, as reported by the Global Times.
• A welcome ceremony and banquet for President Muizzu during his state visit from January 8-12 will be hosted by President Xi Jinping.
• This marks the first foreign visit by the Maldivian leader since assuming office in November, according to Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin.
• Talks and the signing ceremony of cooperation documents will take place between the two heads of state, with Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress Zhao Leji scheduled to meet with President Muizzu separately, as informed by Wang.
• President Muizzu, perceived as a pro-China politician, assumed office as the eighth President of the Maldives after winning the presidential runoff in September against the India-friendly incumbent Ibrahim Mohamed Solih.
• The two countries, China and the Maldives have enjoyed a time-honoured friendship over the past 52 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, treating each other with respect and supporting each other, setting an example of equality and mutual benefits between countries of different sizes, emphasized the spokesperson.
• In 2014, President Xi Jinping made a state visit to the Maldives, establishing a future-oriented all-around friendly and cooperative partnership between the two sides.
• Over the past decade, the relations between China and the Maldives have deepened, achieving fruitful outcomes in various fields, including Belt and Road cooperation and the deepening of traditional friendship, Wang stated in response to a question from reporters.
• The relations between China and the Maldives are at a new historical starting point, and it is believed that through this visit, the two heads of state will provide strategic guidance for the bilateral relations to reach new heights, Wang added.

Is the Maldives still on your travel list?

Well, the social media would change your mind as #BoycottMaldives and #ExploreIndianislands are the ongoing trends that one could not afford to miss. Why these hashtags are trending? It is because the Indian Bollywood actors who have been frequently visiting Maldives have decided not to.

This very decision to boycott the tourist destination Maldives was taken by many actors and cricketers, including Akshay Kumar, Salman Khan, Sachin Tendulkar and many more, after a derogatory remark by a Maldivian envoy. According to the social media handles on X, formerly known as Twitter, many, including Bollywood actors, are planing to explore Indian Islands, i.e. Lakshadweep and Andaman.