Maldives' anti-India stance sparks domestic concerns amid growing China alignment

PTC Web Desk: The Maldives' government's perceived "anti-India stance" could have adverse consequences for the island nation's development, caution the two primary opposition parties. This warning comes just two days after the administration announced the docking of a Chinese ship at their port. The Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and the Democrats express their concerns against the backdrop of strained relations between the Maldives and India, coupled with the Maldives' growing alignment with China. This shift is considered a potentially significant geopolitical and military transformation in the Indian Ocean Region.

President Mohamed Muizzu, who secured victory in the 2023 elections, built his campaign around an anti-India narrative, marking a departure from the pro-India policy followed by his predecessors. The opposition parties' words of caution highlight the potential repercussions of this altered foreign policy, raising questions about its impact on the Maldives' developmental trajectory and its positioning in the broader regional context.

According to both the Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) and The Democrats, isolating any development partner, particularly the nation's most enduring ally, would have severe consequences for the country's long-term development. The opposition parties referred to India as the "most long-standing ally" and emphasised that maintaining collaboration with all development partners, as has been the tradition, is crucial for the Maldives' foreign policy direction. Their assessment on the "direction in foreign policy" underscores the importance of continued cooperation with established partners for the nation's overall development.

The two opposition parties, holding a combined total of 55 seats in the 87-member house, emphasised the critical connection between stability and security in the Indian Ocean and the well-being of the Maldives. This statement was delivered during a joint press conference featuring MDP's chairperson Fayyaz Ismail, Deputy Speaker of the Parliament Ahmed Saleem, Democrats chief MP Hassan Latheef, and Parliamentary Group Leader Ali Azim. The parties stressed the paramount importance of maintaining stability and security in the Indian Ocean region for the overall stability and security of the Maldives.

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Maldives' growing alignment with China

The Maldives recently strengthened its relations with China following a diplomatic dispute triggered by derogatory comments made by Maldivian ministers against Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi after his visit to India's Lakshadweep islands.

March 5 deadline for India

The nation has issued a March 5 deadline for India to withdraw its troops, a date that coincides with President Muizzu's initial state visit to China after assuming office. Notably, this visit to China marks his first port of call, deviating from the tradition observed by his predecessors, who typically made India their primary diplomatic destination.

In a recent development, the Maldives announced its approval for a Chinese survey ship to dock at one of its ports for replenishment. However, the announcement clarified that the ship would not conduct any "research" within Maldivian waters. The Maldives affirmed its historical openness to vessels from friendly nations, both civilian and military, making port calls for peaceful purposes. This move is interpreted as a further indication of the Maldives' shift away from New Delhi towards closer ties with Beijing.

(With inputs from agencies)

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