Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu's Visit to India: A Bid to Repair Strained Relations

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has embarked on his first state visit to India, a move aimed at repairing the strained relations between the two nations. The visit, which began on October 6 and is set to conclude on October 10, marks a critical moment in restoring the friendly ties that have been under severe strain since Muizzu came to power last year.

Background of the Strained Relations

Tensions between India and the Maldives escalated after Muizzu, who is considered pro-China, assumed office. His administration had run an aggressive 'India Out' campaign during the elections, which led to the withdrawal of Indian military personnel from the Maldives. This move was seen as a significant blow to the longstanding relationship between the two countries.

The situation further deteriorated in January when some Maldivian leaders criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting India's Lakshadweep archipelago as an alternative tourist destination. This sparked angry protests from Indian celebrities who called for a tourism boycott of the Maldives, leading to a decline in tourist numbers and economic impact on the island nation.

Muizzu's decision to visit China ahead of India in January was also perceived as a snub to New Delhi. Upon his return, he announced plans to reduce the Maldives' dependence on India for health facilities, medicines, and staple imports. These actions deepened the rift between the two nations.

The Road to Repairing Relations

Despite the initial tensions, there has been a thaw in relations since Muizzu attended Modi's June swearing-in ceremony in New Delhi. Since then, Muizzu has toned down his anti-Indian rhetoric, and official-level contacts have intensified with New Delhi.

India has extended vital financial support to the Maldives during this period. A USD 50 million Treasury Bill was rolled over for another year, providing crucial budgetary assistance to the island nation grappling with a financial crisis. Additionally, India has offered $400 million in support and an Indian 3,000 crore currency swap arrangement to shore up Male's record-low currency reserves.

The visit has seen significant diplomatic efforts from both sides. Muizzu met with President Droupadi Murmu, Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, PM Modi, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar among others. A 'vision document' was issued after bilateral talks between PM Modi and Muizzu, agreeing that India will support Maldives with defense platforms and assets to augment the capabilities of the Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF).

Reactions and Implications

The Maldivian opposition has criticized Muizzu's administration for its handling of relations with India. They argue that Muizzu's 'naive and inexperienced' administration realized too late that diplomacy cannot be conducted through 'lies and deceit.' The opposition has called for leaders of the administration to be held accountable for the damage caused by their actions.

Former Maldivian President Mohamed Nasheed, who is widely credited with strengthening India-Maldives relations during his term, welcomed the turn of events. He described India and the Maldives as natural partners and expressed happiness over the repaired relationship.

Critics in New Delhi have noted that Muizzu's anti-India rhetoric has come at a huge economic and political cost. They argue that it has jeopardized the nation's ability to overcome financial difficulties and lost credibility in financial markets.

Conclusion

Muizzu's visit to India marks a significant step towards mending the strained relations between the two nations. The diplomatic efforts and financial support from India indicate a commitment to restoring their historical partnership. As India continues to play a critical role in the region, maintaining close ties with neighboring countries like the Maldives is crucial for regional stability and economic cooperation.

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