Maldives-India Ties
“The interest to improve relations is from both sides. It’s not only one way. So that is a positive sign. But at the same time, India should not be complacent”. Dr Gulbin Sultana, Associate Fellow at the Manohar Parrikar Institute of Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) says on ‘The Gist’ with Amitabh P. Revi. She analyses External Affairs Minister (EAM) Dr S. Jaishankar’s 3-day visit to the Maldives. “It is quite pragmatic on the part of President (Mohamed) Muizzu,” she says, of his much friendlier tone with India. “That is why we probably see a re-calibration in (his) foreign policy”.
Jaishankar’s Maldives Visit
During his visit, the EAM called on the President. He held discussions with his counterpart Moosa Zameer “and reviewed the entire gamut of bilateral relations”. Dr Jaishankar also had productive discussions with the Defence Minister to deepen the defence and security partnership. (Diazepam) He also met the Ministers of Finance, Economic Development & Trade and the Governor of the Maldives Monetary Authority. Several projects “imagined by the Maldives and delivered by India” across the archipelago were inaugurated. The visit comes in the backdrop of Muizzu’s ‘India Out’ campaign that won him the Presidency and gave his party an absolute majority in the Majlis (Parliament).
From ‘India Out’ to ‘India In’?
In Dr Sultana’s opinion, the change in tenor in Maldives-India ties, “shows that now President Muizzu has accepted India is not interfering in Maldivian domestic politics or affecting its sovereignty. That is a positive signal, she says, but adds, “India has always been identified with a particular party or particular leader. But in diplomacy, it’s very important that relationships should be between the two countries. Not a particular leader or a particular party. That is why our aim should be to engage with all political stakeholders”.
Dr Gulbin Sultana also discusses:
The Line of Credit (LoC)-assisted projects in 28 islands.
UPI payments and digital payment agreements.
Muizzu’s foreign policy vis-a-vis China and India.
India-Maldives defence and security cooperation.
and the Maldives’ economic condition and debt status.
