Maldives' Moosa Zameer To Face Diplomatic Test During India Visit Amid Pro-China Stance

The likely visit to India around 10 May by Moosa Zameer, Maldives' new foreign minister, is expected to be one of his toughest assignments.

The meeting needs to be instilled in the Indian leadership regarding the archipelago's continued status as a trustworthy partner, especially after pro-China overtures were openly made by its president, Mohamed Muizzu, in the last few months, denting Male's longstanding ties with New Delhi.

Maldives' Moosa Zameer To Face Diplomatic Test In India

For the upcoming visit to India, efforts have been made by Zameer to build a conducive groundwork ahead of his visit, as reported by Times Of India.

He had extended thanks to India for its decision to increase the import essential supplies to the island nation for the fiscal year 2024-25, amid diplomatic tensions between both countries. Gratitude to India was expressed by the Maldivian foreign minister on X, formerly known as Twitter, also referencing the country's ties with New Delhi as a 'longstanding friendship'.

India's Export Curbs on Essential Commodities to Maldives Lifted

The lifting of export curbs on essential commodities to Maldives was announced by India's Directorate General of Foreign Trade in a recent notification, authorizing exports under the bilateral trade agreement for the year 2024-25, as reported by First Post.

This decision holds particular significance as it comes amid a diplomatic standoff between the two nations, which was initiated by the Maldives following President Mohamed Muizzu's tilt towards China after assuming office last November.

Under this agreement, the export of essential commodities from India to Maldives, including eggs, potatoes, onions, rice, wheat flour, sugar, and lentils, has been sanctioned. Additionally, stone aggregate and river sand will be supplied to Maldives by India. Previously, the export of these commodities was either restricted or prohibited.

Strained Ties with India:

Significant challenges for maintaining friendly relations with Male have been posed by Maldivian President Muizzu's open pro-China stance and anti-India approach.

From his "India Out" campaign before the elections to permitting Chinese spy vessels to dock in his country, and even his ministers publicly insulting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and mocking Indians on social media, it's been a consistent stream of hostility towards India emanating from the archipelago right under the nose of the highest office in the country.

Muizzu's predecessor, Ibrahim Mohamed Solih, previously urged him to adopt a more open approach and engage in dialogue with neighbouring countries to address the financial difficulties facing the Maldives.

Solih pointed out that while Maldives owes a substantial debt of MVR 18 billion to China, the amount owed to India is comparatively lower at MVR 8 billion, emphasizing that Indian loans are not the root cause of the financial challenges, as reported by First Post.

Since assuming office, criticisms of India during and after the presidential election campaign by Muizzu have strained relations between the two nations. He went as far as demanding the complete withdrawal of 88 Indian military personnel stationed at three aviation platforms used for humanitarian and medical evacuations in the Maldives by 10 May, as per media reports.

Despite four months passing since the new government took office, President Muizzu has yet to visit India. Traditionally, the first overseas trip by Maldivian presidents has been to India, but Muizzu broke with tradition by visiting China in January for his inaugural state visit.