Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has made his first state visit to India, calling the country a “valued partner” and signaling a desire to mend ties that had been strained by his anti-India rhetoric during his election campaign. His pro-China stance and campaign to drive out Indian troops in the Maldives had threatened strong ties between the two nations.
During his visit, Muizzu met with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss energy, trade, financial linkages, and defense cooperation. India approved a $400 million currency swap agreement to support the Maldivian economy and also agreed to help develop infrastructure projects in the country.
Muizzu’s visit comes as the Maldives faces economic challenges, including a budget deficit and debt burden. The country is heavily indebted to China but also receives significant support from India. While Muizzu has sought to balance relations with both China and India, the economic impact of strained ties with India, including a decline in Indian tourists visiting the Maldives, has been significant.
The geopolitical implications of the India-Maldives relationship are significant, with India and China vying for influence in the strategically located archipelago. India remains concerned about China’s growing military presence in the region and is keen to maintain its leverage in the Maldives.
Despite Muizzu’s past anti-India rhetoric, his efforts to repair ties with New Delhi have been seen as a positive step. His visit to India resulted in commitments for financial support, infrastructure development, and enhanced economic cooperation between the two countries. Modi’s acceptance of an invitation for a state visit to the Maldives next year symbolizes a potential thaw in relations.
Overall, Muizzu’s diplomatic shift towards India, despite his past anti-India stance, is seen as a pragmatic move to address the Maldives’ economic challenges and geopolitical considerations.
Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com